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Michael has a BA in History & American Studies and an MSc in American History from the University of Edinburgh. He comes from a proud military family and has spent most of his career as an educator in the Middle East and Asia. His passion is travel, and he seizes any opportunity to share his experiences in the most immersive way possible, whether at sea or on the land.

Fort Selden
505-541-2444
E-mail: [email protected]
Points of Interest

Fort Selden State Monument, built in 1865 by the U.S. Army to protect settlers from Apache Indians. The fort was also the original home of the Buffalo Soldiers. Fifteen miles north of Las Cruces on either I-25 or Hwy 185. 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. six days a week (Closed Tuesdays), 505-526-8911

Bicentennial Log Cabin, Preserved pioneer home made from logs and furnished with antiques from the time. 671 N. Main Street. Open year round by appointment. 505-541-2155.

Gadsden Museum, The museum recounts the history of local personality Albert Jennings Fountain, whose feud with Albert Fall of Teapot Dome infamy was legendary around here. The museum, run by Albert Fountain's great-granddaughter, also offers a guided tour. The museum also has details of the Gadsden Purchase and lots of rare information about Mesilla. Located at the corner of Barker Road and Hwy 28. 505-526-6293.

Las Cruces Museum of Fine Arts & Culture Complex/Branigan Cultural Center features artwork by local artistds as well as historic photos of Las Cruces and a gift shop. 500 N. Water. Tuesday—Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.. Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.. 505-541-2155.

Museum of Natural History has hands-on science and natural history exhibits for children as well as live animals and plants of the Chihuahua Desert. Located at the southeast end of the Mesilla Valley Mall. 700 S. Telshor, Monday—Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, Noon - 5 p.m. 505-522-3120

White Sands Missile Range Museum and Missile Park features weapons that won the Cold War and Operation Desert Storm. Visitors enter the post at the Las Cruces gate, about 25 miles east of the city on US Hwy 70. You will need to tell the sentries you are going to visit the museum and Missile Park. You must have a current driver's license, car registration and proof of insurance to enter. Open Monday—Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed for federal holidays.

Annual Events

April 19–20, Frontier Days at Fort Selden. Staff dress up and recreate life in the old west as they honor the Buffalo Soldiers.
October 18–19, Cowboys Days. The New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum honors the western legend with a weekend festival complete with roping and riding demonstrations, "cowboy food", dancing and cowboy poetry. New Mexico Farm & Ranch Museum, 4100 Dripping Springs Rd., 505-522-4100
Living History Program, 2nd Saturday of every month at Fort Selden State Monument 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., 505-526-8911

Accommodations

Happy Trails Bed & Breakfast, 1857 Paisano Rd., 505-527-8471
Lundean's Inn of the Arts Bed & Breakfast, 618 S. Alameda Blvd., 888-526-3326
Meson de Mesilla Boutique Hotel and Gourmet Restaurant, 1803 Avenida de Mesilla. 800-732-6025
T.R.H. Smith Mansion Bed & Breakfast, 909 N. Alameda Blvd. 800-526-1914

Restaurants
Communities and Related Links
Las Cruces, New Mexico Convention and Visitors Bureau
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