La Posta - From the Founding of Mesilla, to Corn Exchange Hotel, to Billy the Kid Museum, to Famous Landmark

When this theft is committed, Billy is 16 years old. After he escapes, he leaves his home in Silver City, never to return. Any reluctance to leave behind his stepfather and older brother Joseph is likely reduced by the earlier death of his mother of “an affection of the lungs” on September 16, 1874.[52] Another frequent guest who will deal with Bil

Davis’ timing for opening a hotel could hardly be more opportune. Mesilla is booming. Mines in the Pinos Altos and Silver City area are producing huge quantities of gold and silver, and other minerals. Mesilla is the transshipment point for these metals, providing enormous stimulus to local businesses. In May, 1874, “$1,512, in gold dust” arrives f

The Bennett’s initially use their new home as a store. In 1869, they pay $25 in taxes on $500 worth of merchandise.[25] In June of 1870, Frank DeRyther,[26] owner of the Texas Pacific Hotel and the Overland Stage property dies. This provides an opening for Bennett, who by July, 1870, has the mail contract for the Mesilla to Santa Fe run and is oper

Lemon holds the lot until December 25, 1867, when he sells to Lola Bennett.[20] Lola[21] is the wife of Joseph F. Bennett[22], a California Column veteran. The Bennetts (Lola by some accounts) build a new structure on the lot, evidently removing the stone structure. Looking for space to expand, Lola buys half of her southern neighbor’s lot for $125

capitalize on the 32º 22΄ boundary, the government of Chihuahua passes the Colonization Act of May 22, 1851. The Act permits the establishment of settlements at places “considered most appropriate” and authorizes the appointment of a commissioner to oversee the settlements, who has the power to define common lands, set aside land for a church and p

class to determine eligibility.[2] Racial discrimination did enter into Mesilla life, but it was after the Civil War, and to a