Mesilla was originally a Spanish settlement that was part of Mexico. Referred to as “La Mesilla” by Spanish speakers, it was founded in the early 1800s and the village residences and shops grew around the Plaza and San Albino church, one of New Mexico’s most historic churches. In 1854 the Gadsden Purchase, signed on the historic Mesilla Plaza, made Mesilla a part of the United States. Many of Mesilla’s buildings date back to the mid 1850s and have been restored and preserved as examples of adobe territorial architecture common during that era.
Today, many of Mesilla's population of nearly 2,200 residents are direct descendents of Mesilla's early settlers. As such, they have retained many of the "hearty folk" qualities of the original founders. Mesilla has a rich and diverse heritage with the integration of Indian, Spanish, Mexican, and Anglo-American cultures. Perhaps the greatest import of the past history is the physical character of the community itself. Built around San Albino Catholic Church, the traditional adobe structures and architectural features modified through time because of style and technology still remain as a reminder of the long and significant history of the town.
Mesilla is home to a weekly farmer's market and features many gift shops and specialty stores. The Fountain Theatre, located just off the famed Plaza, features foreign and alternative films nightly and there are several restaurants on and off the Plaza that are not to be missed!
Sincerely,
Michael Cadena
Mayor of Mesilla
Mesilla Mayor and Trustees
The Town of Mesilla has a Mayor/Council form of government. Policies are set by the Board of Trustees and administered by staff under the supervision of the Mayor.
The Board of Trustees consists of the elected members of the Town of Mesilla, which are the Mayor and four (4) Town Trustees. The Mayor and Trustees serve staggered four (4) year terms.
Michael M. Cadena, Mayor
Jesus M. Caro, Mayor Pro Tem
Nora Barraza, Trustee
John Nelson, Trustee
Les Williamson, Trustee
All members can be reached through the Town of Mesilla main office: P.O. Box 10, Mesilla, NM 88046 Phone: (505) 524-3262 Fax: (505) 541-6327 Email: tomclerk@zianet.com
The Town of Mesilla has established committees, boards and commissions to provide a means for residents who have special experience or interest to participate in the municipality’s decision making process by advising the Mayor and Town Trustees on various issues. The committee system provides an opportunity to interact creatively with people of all ages, interests, and backgrounds. Unity can be realized when citizens are able to come together across neighborhood political and economic lines to assist in making the community decisions that will shape lives.
The committee system provides an opportunity to interact creatively with the town government and express one’s opinions regarding the decisions that will shape the future of Mesilla.
If you are interested in voicing a concern, the Board of Trustees meetings are held on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month. The Planning, Zoning, and Architectural Committee meets on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month. Mesilla residents are encouraged to attend. Meeting agendas are posted in the Safety Building, Ristramann’s, the post office, Shorty’s de Mesilla, and the Town Hall.
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