The Plaza was named a National Historic Landmark in 1962.
It became an important mail between St. Louis and San Francisco along the Butterfield Overland Trail.
The most prominent (and beautiful) structure her is the Basilica of San Albino Roman Catholic Church.
Established in 1852, it has been a parish serving the bi-lingual community since. San Albino was granted Minor Basilica status by the Pope in June, 2008. Here are photographs of the various church buildings constructed on the site over the years.
The church was locked so we were unable to see the interior. However, we did visit their gift shop that is located across the street from the church.
There is a history room that had some beautiful church artifacts.
Located across the street from the plaza, this is the oldest documented brick building in New Mexico (1860). It has been used as a residence, general store, saloon, and town hall. Today it is a gift shop.
This cantina has been operated continuously by direct descendants of the legendary Colonel Albert Fountain. It has also served as a blacksmith forge (1850); Butterfield Overland Mail office (1858); Mesilla Times building (1860); Saloon (1860); Albert Franklin Mercantile (1929); U.S. Post Office (1931).
Today the building is the Billy the Kid Gift Shop.
It was the Dona Ana County Courthouse and Jail and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1850! The fame today of the places is around Billy the Kid.
Across the street from that building is La Posta. Today it is a restaurant.
The well-known Josefina's Old Gate Cafe is also located near the Plaza.
Although it was a rainy day, we enjoyed walking around the Historic Mesilla Plaza and learning about the history of the community.
There are many lovely shops lining the streets here as well as restaurants and a winery. For additional information about this area, check out the following site.
Website: www.oldmesilla.org
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