Prior to the first permanent settlers making Mesilla their home with the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848, the area was merely a stop-over campsite used by early Spanish explorers traveling the El Camino Real from Mexico City to Santa Fe. Today, many of its 2,800 residents are descendants of those early settlers.
Mesilla maintains that “old town” charm, with many of the original buildings still standing and being used by the many shops, galleries, and restaurants, surrounding the town square. With the increasing number of art galleries in Mesilla, it is gaining the reputation of the “Santa Fe of the South.”
The town square is a popular tourist destination. The historic Fountain Theater and nationally recognized La Posta de Mesilla Restaurant are adjacent to the square. The Mesilla town square is anchored by the historic San Albino Church, one of 10 within the town limits.
Historic Old Mesilla is 2 miles from Las Cruces with easy access off Interstate 10. Commercial passenger services are available at the El Paso International Airport, 55 minutes from the square via Interstate 10.
| Mesilla | |
| Population | 2,863 |
| Median Age | 45.9 |
| Households | 1,412 |
| Household Size | 2.24 |
| Median Housing Value | 318,300 |
| Family Size | 2.69 |
| Educational Attainment | |
| High School or Higher | 91.7% |
| Bachelor’s or Higher | 55.1% |
| Source: 2011 ACS 5-YR Estimate | |
More socioeconomic data on Mesilla is available on the Esri Data page.
