South Region

Constructed 1881. At the turn of the century, Las Cruces was not unlike any other thriving small town. The railroad, which was completed in 1881, created a stir in what would become the downtown area of the City of the Crosses, bringing with it people, jobs and architecture. It was Read more…

Constructed 1898. The Alameda Park Zoo in downtown Alamogordo has the reputation and history of being the oldest zoo in the Southwest. The Alameda Park Zoo has more than 12 acres and over 250 exotic and indigenous animals. An education center, gift shop, restroom facilities, picnic area, and playground are Read more…

Constructed 1866. In 1850, Gregoria Rodela de Amador, a widow from Juarez, moved to the newly formed town of Las Cruces, where she may have opened a store.. Her son, Martin, expanded the business and began hauling freight between Santa Fe and Chihuahua. In 1866, Martin Amador built the original Read more…

Constructed 1935. The Branigan Cultural Center hosts changing cultural exhibits, as well as educational programs, classes, and other special events. The building is on the National and State Registries of Historic Buildings.On view at the Cultural Center is the mural “First Book about New Mexico-1610”, painted by Tom Lea (1907) Read more…

Constructed 1937. This 1937, three-story, Spanish-Pueblo Revival style building was partially funded by the Public Works Administration. The courthouse, which is listed on both the state and national historic register, is currently vacant, but there is potential for it to be rehabilitated and repurposed in the future. — Source “Public Read more…

Stretching over 200 miles, the route has been of great importance to New Mexico for centuries. Today the byway connects multiple New Mexico MainStreet districts, traveling through Las Cruces, Truth or Consequences, Belen and Albuquerque. “In 1598, Don Juan de Onate led 500 colonists through the remote and unfamiliar country, Read more…

Constructed 1950. Flickinger Center for Performing Arts is a 590-seat performing arts center in downtown Alamogordo, New Mexico. Originally the Sierra Movie Theater, built in the 50s, it was purchased by Margaret Flickinger and given to the community in 1988. It was renovated and converted to a multipurpose performing arts Read more…

The MainStreet District in Las Cruces offers a variety of public art for your enjoyment. From the murals on the public library to statues and art that represent the history and culture of the largest city in the southern part of the state. 200 E Picacho Ave. Las Cruces, NM Read more…

Constructed 1910. The first Atchison, Topeka, & Santa Fe (AT&SF) train arrived in Las Cruces on April 26, 1881. The first depot was a wood frame building that was later moved on flatcars down the line to Al Tuna (present day Anthony, TX). The wood frame building provided passenger and Read more…

Constructed 1849. The Mesquite District is recognized as part of the Camino Real de Tierra Adentro, the historic Spanish Intercontinental Royal Route from Mexico City to Santa Fe. The original town site is rich in history and culture, with 22 of the original blocks still in existence and more than Read more…