Billy the Kid Territory Community Thumbnails

Las Vegas

Established by several Hispanic families circa 1835, what became known as Old Town grew as freighting increased on the famed Santa Fe Trail (1821-80). Once the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad arrived about a mile away in Feb., 1880, New Town sprang up. Slipping out of Fort Sumner, Billy the Kid would've felt safe in Spanish-speaking Old Town, and enticement across the Gallinas River in the saloons of New Town. The San Miguel County seat, Las Vegas (elevation 6,435 feet or 1,961 meters) is an unrivaled bastion of picturesque Victorian homes and buildings. It's also home to New Mexico Highlands University. It has one hotel, 18 motels, 40 restaurants, four private recreational vehicle campgrounds, one museum, and nine historic districts. Santa Rosa is 63 road miles (101.4 kilometers) away, Santa Fe 64 miles 103 km) away, Fort Sumner 108 miles (173.8 km) away, Roswell 192 miles (309 km) away, and Ruidoso 263 miles (423.2 km) away.

Las Vegas-San Miguel County Chamber of Commerce
503 Sixth, Las Vegas, New Mexico 87701
(505/425-8631 or 800/832-5947)
www.lasvegasnewmexico.org