Mesilla Plaza facts for kids
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La Mesilla Historic District
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Mesilla Plaza, looking northwest, 2005
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 Location in New Mexico
Location in the United States
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| Location | Roughly bounded by Calle del Norte, Calle del El Paso, Calle del Cura and Calleion Guerro, Mesilla, New Mexico |
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| Built | 1848 |
| Architectural style | Mission/Spanish Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 66000475 (original) 82003323 (increase) |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | October 15, 1966 |
| Boundary increase | July 20, 1982 |
| Designated NHLD | July 4, 1961 |
The Mesilla Plaza is a very important historical spot in the town of Mesilla, located in southern New Mexico. This plaza, along with many buildings around it, is known as a National Historic Landmark District. It's special because it played a big part in how the New Mexico Territory and later the Gadsden Purchase became part of the United States.
One of the most famous buildings facing the plaza is the Basilica of San Albino. This church has been there since 1851. Because of its historical importance, the plaza was officially named a National Historic Landmark in 1961.
Contents
A Look Back: Mesilla's History
How Mesilla Began
The town of Mesilla was created by the Mexican government in 1848. This happened after the Mexican–American War ended with the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. This treaty meant that the northern parts of what is now New Mexico became part of the United States. Many Mexican citizens wanted to stay on Mexican land, so Mesilla was built for them.
Becoming Part of the U.S.
Just five years later, in 1853, the Gadsden Purchase happened. Through this agreement, the United States bought more land from Mexico. This land included the southern parts of present-day New Mexico and Arizona, which meant Mesilla became part of the U.S. On November 18, 1854, a special flag-raising ceremony took place in Mesilla Plaza. This event officially showed that the United States now controlled the area.
A Busy Stop on the Trail
Mesilla continued to be an important town. It was a popular stop for travelers and goods. It was part of the famous Butterfield Overland Mail route, which was a stagecoach service that delivered mail and passengers across the country. Other stagecoach routes also passed through Mesilla, making it a busy center.
Mesilla During the Civil War
During the American Civil War, Mesilla also played a role. It served as a military center for both the Union (North) and Confederate (South) armies at different times. Soldiers from both sides used the town as a base in the Arizona territory.
A Day of Conflict
Mesilla Plaza was once the scene of a big political event in New Mexico's history. On August 27, 1871, two different political groups held rallies. Democrats were having a large meeting in the plaza. Republicans were also meeting nearby.
The Republicans decided to move to the plaza to interrupt the Democrats' rally. The two groups started yelling and pushing each other. Soldiers from nearby Fort Selden had been in town to keep peace, but they had left earlier when things seemed calm. A messenger quickly called the soldiers back. By the time they returned, most of the fighting was over. Sadly, nine people died, and about fifty others were hurt.
Mesilla Plaza Today
Today, the plaza is still surrounded by many buildings that look like they did in the early days. The plaza itself used to be an open dirt area. Now, it has grassy sections and brick sidewalks. There's also a bandstand in the middle, which was built in the 1970s.
The most noticeable building is the Basilica of San Albino. The current church was built in 1906, on the same spot where the first church stood in 1852. On the east and west sides of the plaza, you can see buildings from the 1850s. These buildings are in the Territorial style. Some of them include the original Butterfield Stage ticket office and waiting room. While some buildings were first homes, they are now used as shops. Others were always meant for businesses.
