Las Vegas Plaza (Las Vegas, New Mexico) facts for kids
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Las Vegas Plaza
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Las Vegas Plaza
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 Location in New Mexico
Location in the United States
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| Location | Bounded by Valencia and Moreno Sts. and the rear property line of the building on Gonzales St. and Hot Springs Blvd., Las Vegas, New Mexico |
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| Area | 2.5 acres (1.0 ha) |
| Built | 1835 |
| Architectural style | Late 19th And 20th Century Revivals, Italianate, Territorial Style |
| MPS | Las Vegas New Mexico MRA (AD) |
| NRHP reference No. | 74001202 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | December 16, 1974 |
The Las Vegas Plaza is a special town square and historic area in Las Vegas, New Mexico. Mexican settlers first planned this plaza in 1835. It's surrounded by many old and interesting buildings. This important spot was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.
Contents
A Look Back at the Plaza's History
How Las Vegas Began
Las Vegas was started in 1835. A group of settlers received a "land grant" from the Mexican government. This was like getting official permission to own and use the land. The town was designed in a traditional Spanish Colonial style. It had a central plaza. Around the plaza were adobe buildings. These buildings could also act as forts if there was an attack.
The Plaza's Early Days
Las Vegas quickly became a busy place. It was an important stop on the Santa Fe Trail. This trail was a trade route connecting Missouri and Santa Fe. In 1846, during the Mexican–American War, an American general named Stephen W. Kearny spoke at the plaza. He announced that New Mexico was now part of the United States. He stood on what is now the Dice Apartments building.
In 1854, a visitor wrote that the plaza looked like a "muddy field." Farm animals often roamed freely there.
Changes and Growth
Las Vegas grew even more when the railroad arrived in 1880. Many of the old, one-story adobe buildings around the plaza were replaced. Newer, grander buildings were constructed. Examples include the Plaza Hotel and the Ilfeld Building. These new buildings had beautiful styles like Italianate architecture.
During this time, the plaza itself was cleaned up. It was no longer a place for livestock and wagons. Instead, it became a neat public park. Trees were planted, fences were added, and a bandstand was built.
Important Buildings Around the Plaza
Many historic buildings are part of the Plaza historic district. Here are some of the most well-known:
- Plaza Hotel, built in 1880
- Charles Ilfeld Building, built in 1882
- Dice Apartments, the oldest building still standing on the plaza
- John D. Veeder Building
- Exchange Hotel, built in 1850 (only part of it remains today)
- Romero Mercantile Company Building
- First National Bank Building, built in 1880
