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Las Cruces, New Mexico

Located in Doña Ana County, New Mexico, Las Cruces was established in 1849. The first atomic bomb was detonated at White Sands, about 60 miles from Las Cruces. Spaceport America, the world's first commercial spaceport, is nearby.
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Founded 1849 | Population 115,000 | Peak 115,000 (2024) | County Doña Ana County

Top 10 Most Important Events for Las Cruces, New Mexico

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1849 Founded After Mexican War: Named 'The Crosses' for graves of ambushed travelers.
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1888 NMSU Founded: New Mexico State University established.
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1945 Trinity Test Nearby: First atomic bomb tested at White Sands 60 miles away.
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1990 Economic Development: Las Cruces grew through the technology sector.
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2009 Spaceport America: World's first commercial spaceport built nearby.
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Latest News in Las Cruces

Jun 3, 2015
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Complete Historical Timeline

1849 Culture
Founded After Mexican War
1888 Culture
NMSU Founded
1945 Science
Trinity Test Nearby
1990 Industry
Economic Development
2009 Science
Spaceport America

Did You Know?

1
The first atomic bomb was detonated at White Sands, about 60 miles from Las Cruces.
2
Spaceport America, the world's first commercial spaceport, is nearby.
3
Las Cruces means 'The Crosses,' named for graves of ambushed travelers.
4
Las Cruces is located in Doña Ana County, New Mexico.
5
Las Cruces was founded in 1849.

Famous People from Las Cruces, New Mexico

AA
Anwar al-Awlaqi
Engineer · Born Apr 22, 1971 · Died Sep 30, 2011 (age 40)
SB
Shawnacy Barber
Athletics Competitor, Pole Vaulter · Born May 27, 1994 · Died Jan 17, 2024 (age 29)
EC
Edgar Castillo
Association Football Player · Born Oct 8, 1986 · Age 39
AH
Aaron Herrera
Association Football Player · Born Jun 6, 1997 · Age 28
ML
Micah Lawrence
Swimmer · Born Jul 20, 1990 · Age 35

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