Las Cruces through History

I feel the need to preface this blog with the fact that I am not from Las Cruces. I am from a smaller town in Wisconsin called Kenosha. Technically, it is Kenosha County, but it doesn't seem small enough to call it that. Anyways, my point is that this perspective will be from someone who enjoys, if not prefers cold, snow, forestry, and organic farms.

That being said, I do also enjoy the desert that consumes our population. Las Cruces is a sizable town and despite those who live in town, particularly the young, describing it as boring, with nothing to do, it is a happening spot! If there is anything I regret from my youth spent in Kenosha, it is not exploring all the cultural facets my community had to offer. Where I lived, one did not need to travel to Europe to gain the cultural experience, because it was in my backyard.

As New Mexico is a border state-you might surprised about the experiences I've had in other states when people thought New Mexico was a part of Mexico-it is full of rich Hispanic culture. The authentic Mexican food made right here is really delicious and ought to be reason enough to come here; however, if you are not convinced, allow me to give some historical information about the town.

New Mexico, particularly Las Cruces, has a long, dreadful history involving Spanish treatment of Native Americans. The Spanish conquistadores came over led by Don Juan de Oñate to get land and riches for Spain. They took over the land that unofficially belonged to Native Americans and forced Catholicism on them. Obviously, that did not go over well with the Indians. Years of disputes took place until manifest destiny allowed America, as it originated from the east coast, to collect New Mexico. If you really want to learn the details of Las Cruces' history, feel free to read online here: http://www.lascrucescvb.org/a-historical-perspective/

It gives a decently in depth but not overly boring history of Las Cruces. Also, I would just like to remind my reader that close to Las Cruces is the Trinity Site, where the first atomic bomb was tested. You can visit there, and I heard that the rules regarding picking up glass from the site has changed. Until now you could not because it was deemed too radioactive; however, I heard that now the glass can be collected if you wish. But it could be hearsay, so if you do visit, please do not get your hopes up.

Over the next blogs I will highlight one wonderful part of Las Cruces per blog entry, so if you decide to plan a vacation, you can have a better idea of which spots might be your favorite. Some of the destinations will be outside of Las Cruces (I'll be sure to give locations) so that on your way to or from (if you're doing a road trip) Las Cruces, you can see other equally impressive things. Photos will also be included for different sites (most taken by me on my trips there). If photos are used that I do not own the rights to or if information is taken from another place I will cite the source. Enjoy your travel guide :)