Established by land grant in 1835, Las Vegas was originally called Nuestra Senora de los Dolores de Las Vegas Grandes (Our Lady of the Sorrows of the Great Meadows). The history of Las Vegas is influenced not only by many different cultures, but also by two major forms of transportation. As a major trading point on the Santa Fe Trail, Las Vegas became a prosperous Spanish town. As trade on the trail increased, so did the variety of settlers in the town.

Today, Las Vegas is the home of a unique Northern New Mexican Spanish community, influenced by Native American, Northern European, and Jewish cultures, among many others. There are over 900 buildings in town on the National Register of Historic Places, with examples of everything from Spanish adobe to Victorian architecture. We are proud of our history, and we try to reflect our heritage in every aspect of our town. Welcome.