The Original Las Vegas
Explore the Southwest’s best-kept secret today
Las Vegas sits at the foot of the Sangre de Christo Mountains in northern New Mexico … where “the Great Plains meet the Mighty Rockies”. Though we are not as well-known as our namesake in Nevada, we have our own share of notoriety.
Our colorful past is full of courage, hard work, adventure, and yes, wild times. In the late 1800’s, we were known as “the Wildest of the Wild West”. Even wilder than Tombstone, Arizona.
The Friends of the City of Las Vegas Museum love the history of the Wild West. And we think you will too!
From Coronado to the Mexican settlers …
From the Santa Fe Trail to Teddy Roosevelt’s Rough Riders ...
The fascinating story of the original Las Vegas embodies the spirit of the American West.
Our organization is proud to support and promote the museum dedicated to sharing this remarkable story.
As much as we love our past history, we also love making new history. We organize and sponsor many community events throughout the year.
(Top) Trick-rider Montana Belle at 1916 Cowboy Reunion Rodeo. Courtesy CCHP Annabelle Lucero Collection
(Above, right) Trolley at Lincoln Avenue and 6th Street, circa 1900. The Santa Fe Railroad Depot is located one block to the right (east). Courtesy City of Las Vegas Museum and Rough Rider Memorial Collection, 66.20.3
(Above, Left) Bright lights illumine a recent summer festival at Historic Plaza Park in Old Town Las Vegas. The Plaza Hotel provides a stunning backdrop. Photo Courtesy Andy Kingsbury.
(Below) Overlooking Montezuma Hot Springs and the third Montezuma Hotel (the first two burned to the ground)
