Historic Tour of Mesilla

Mesilla is the best-known and most visited historical community in Southern New Mexico. Since its’ beginning, around 1848, Mesilla has had a major influence on the economic, cultural, historical, and political life of the Mesilla Valley. We’ll take you back into time from the Gadsden Purchase to the Civil War, to the Butterfield Stage Coach Trail, to the trial of Billy the Kid, to being a lively social center in the 1880s. Strolling the streets around the Plaza is the number one activity here. Many of the adobe buildings built during the colonial era remain today, and most have been converted into interesting shops, galleries, and restaurants. You will visit the Basilica of San Albino, formerly known as San Albino Church of Mesilla. It has the distinction of having originally been established in Mexico, but it is now located in the United States as a result of a transfer of territory in the Gadsden Purchase. The first church on the site was built in 1852; the current structure was built in 1906 and is one of the oldest churches in the region. You will see the Fountain Theater that was built in 1905 for Albert Jennings Fountain and is the oldest movie theater in New Mexico. In those days, in addition to films, the theater offered vaudeville performances often including Fountain and his family. Pictured above is the old courthouse building. Billy the Kid stood trial here in 1881 and was sentenced to hang. He escaped and killed his jailers though while en route back to Lincoln County. The building now houses the Billy the Kid Gift Shop. Take an unforgettable journey through a unique part of the rich southwest history. All this followed with a meal served at the legendary La Posta restaurant in Old Mesilla. Then a quick stop at the Chocolate Lady to satisfy the sweet tooth.

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• Tour the Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum

• Lunch at Old Mesilla

• Shopping and Souvenirs

• Snacks and Non-Alcoholic Beverages included

• Call for rates