Historical Marker

María Gutiérrez Spencer (1919-1992) "Advocate for Social Justice"

Historical marker location:
NM Highway 138, Las Cruces, New Mexico
( NMSU campus on Espina Street between E. University Avenue and Steward Street)

Punished for not speaking English in school, María Gutiérrez Spencer devoted her life to validating the Indo-Hispano experience. A graduate of University of California, Berkeley and New Mexico State University, she pioneered bilingual and bicultural education in New Mexico, founding BOLD: Bicultural Orientation and Language Development in Silver City. Maria battled cancer for 50 years, but traveled worldwide to train teachers. She was honored by the Wonder Woman Foundation with Rosa Parks in 1981

The Historic Women Marker Initiative of 2007 captured the public’s imagination. It has received international attention for its ambitious goal of telling women’s history in New Mexico on some of the state’s 650 Official Scenic Historic Markers. Before 2007, perhaps three markers mentioned women at all.

The lives of the only known female Buffalo solider, one of the world’s most famous artists, and unsung heroes like Sally Rooke who gave her life at her switchboard warning Folsom’s citizens of a wall of water approaching their town are honored on 75 women’s history markers.

The first phase of the Initiative concluded in 2010. Ten more markers were installed in 2015 and an additional 25 are expected to bring their numbers to an even 100 in the coming years. The program is a partnership of the New Mexico Women’s Forum, HPD, CPRC, New Mexico Department of Transportation, and the public. The 2006 legislature made the initial 65 historic markers possible.

Like all state historic markers, the women’s history markers are designed in the Park Service Rustic style adopted when the program began in 1935. What’s different is their perspective of New Mexico history.

Audiobooks about the history of New Mexico.
New Mexico has a unique cuisine that blends Native American, Mexican, and Spanish influences. Some of the state's most famous dishes include green chili stew, enchiladas, and sopapillas.
New Mexico random facts
Dona Ana County, located in southern New Mexico, has a rich and diverse history that spans thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Mescalero Apache and the Jornada Mogollon. These indigenous peoples left behind evidence of their presence through rock art, pottery, and other archaeological sites.

In the 16th century, Spanish explorer Juan de Oñate arrived in the region and established the first European settlement, making this area one of the earliest colonized regions in the present-day United States. The Spanish named the settlement "San Juan de los Caballeros" and built a church and other structures that served as the religious and administrative center for the region. This settlement would later become the modern-day city of Mesilla.

Throughout its history, Dona Ana County experienced various conflicts and changes in ownership. The region was part of Mexico following Mexico's independence from Spain in the early 19th century, but it became part of the United States in 1853 with the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. This treaty ended the Mexican-American War and shifted the international border between the two countries, placing the county within the territory of the United States.

During the American Civil War, Dona Ana County played a significant role as it was located near the border between the Union and Confederate territories. The Battle of Mesilla took place in 1861, which resulted in a Confederate victory and their control over the region for a short period. However, the county eventually came under Union control and played a key role in the Union's campaign to take control of the Southwest.

In the 20th century, the county's economy experienced a shift from agriculture to military and aerospace industries. White Sands Missile Range, established in 1945, became a major employer and contributed significantly to the county's economy. Today, Dona Ana County continues to evolve as a diverse and culturally rich region, with a population that is a blend of Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo heritage.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Doña Ana County, New Mexico.

  • 1598: Don Juan de Oñate claims the area for Spain, establishing the first European settlement in what is now Dona Ana County.
  • 1821: Mexico gains independence from Spain, and the region becomes part of the Mexican territory.
  • 1846: The United States takes control of the area during the Mexican-American War.
  • 1852: Doña Ana County is officially established as a county in the New Mexico Territory.
  • 1881: Las Cruces is designated the county seat of Doña Ana County.
  • 1912: New Mexico becomes a state, with Doña Ana County as one of its original 33 counties.
  • 1916: The village of Mesilla, located within Doña Ana County, is incorporated.
  • 1945: The White Sands Proving Ground, now known as White Sands Missile Range, is established in the northern part of the county.
  • 1963: The Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument is created, preserving significant historical and natural resources in the county.