This exhibit is a history of the lost buildings of Las Vegas New Mexico. These buildings either no longer exist or are hidden
inside present structures, having little in common with their original form. Investigation into these buildings' histories revealed many lost and forgotten stories of the people who built and used them. These people are some of the original founders of both Old Town and New Town.
In the words of the Daily Optic, in their Building Edition of 1899, Las Vegas is located, "On the eastern brow of the main range where the trend changes from south to west, and commanding the only 'pass' to the mountain region from the plains, her situation compels commerce to pass through her gates. For this reason she was an important trading post for the Indians. For this reason Fort Union was established in her immediate vicinity. For this reason the great freight caravans passed through her streets laden with many millions of merchandise. For this reason was compelled the coming of the A.T. & S.F. railroad..."
Las Vegas was the place where the Mexican frontier met the then rapidly expanding American frontier.
As such the founding men and women of Las Vegas were pioneers from Mexico, the United States, Quebec, and those of German Jewish heritage. What they created was a remarkable frontier town that grew in importance on the Santa Fe Trail, and then the main rail line through the southwest. Here in Las Vegas existed a real part of the "wild West." I hope you enjoy these photos and stories of our fascinating past.
