Mesilla New Mexico 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 the Basilica Church of San Albino, 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.
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 Town of Mesilla New Mexico has established five departments to implement the policy decisions of the Board of Trustees. These departments provide the operating base for services to the community. Each department is directed by a department supervisor who administers their operating base.
Mesilla New Mexico Administrative
The Town Clerk-Treasurer is the designated department supervisor. Due to the size of the municipality, the department performs various functions for the town. These functions are vital to the overall administration of the town.
Mesilla Marshal
The Mesilla Marshals Department is responsible for answering calls for service within the Historical Town of Mesilla limits.
Mesilla Judicial
The Municipal Court is a limited jurisdiction court handling criminal actions for petty misdemeanor crimes filed in the name of the municipality as plaintiff against alleged violator.
Public Works
The Public Works Department is in charge of maintaining and improving municipal parks, buildings and infrastructure of the Town.
Fire Department
The Town of Mesilla Fire Department is the first response for all emergency medical calls.
COMMUNITY CENTER
2251 Calle de Santiago
(575) 524-3262
FIRE DEPARTMENT
2670 Calle de Parian
(575) 523-1311
U.S. POST OFFICE
2253 Calle de Parian
(575) 524-1531
MESILLA VISITOR CENTER
2231 Avenida de Mesilla
(575) 524-3262 ext. 117
MESILLA MARSHAL
2670 Calle De Parian
575-526-4138
GADSDEN MUSEUM
Boutz Rd. and Hwy. 28
(575) 526-6293
LA MORENA WALKING TOURS
2487 Calle de Principal
(575) 647-2639
BASILICA OF SAN ALBINO
2280 Calle Principal
(575) 526-9349
Mesilla Town Hall
P.O. Box 10
2231 Avenida de Mesilla
Mesilla, NM 88046
www.mesilla-nm.org
(575) 524-3262
(575) 541-6327
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.
For more information about Historic Old Mesilla, please visit: www.oldmesilla.org