Mesilla, New Mexico

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Town with a population of 2,180 at the 2000 census. Incorporated in 1848 after the US border was moved South after the Mexican-American War and settlers moved south to remain in Mexico. By 1850 it had grown as a settlement and attracted Apache attacks, which motivated an American military presence in the area that helped spur desire for the Gadsden Purchase. After the Confederacy seceded from the United States, pro-Confederate settlers declared the Confederate Territory of Arizona, and established Mesilla as its capital after Confederate forces defeated Union troops in a battle here. In 1862 Union forces routed the Confederates and dissolved the territory. The city shrank in relation to nearby Las Cruces after the Santa Fe railroad was built through it in 1881.

You can find some good places to eat here: El Comedor, Andale, La Posta, to name a few. The bean is a coffee shop with live music early in the night. El Patio has a jazz group on wednesday and other acts on Friday and Saturday. The square can be relaxing on a sunday afternoon. There are vendors, music and food.