Most New Mexican residents are familiar with the idea that there are many haunted places in each, if not all towns across the state. Ghosts and spirits along with other paranormal activity is not uncommon to hear about. We have our classic stories like La Llorona that goes farther than just New Mexico. But I wanted to take a closer look at what might be just down the street from the New Mexico State Campus.
Dona Ana Courthouse, Downtown Las Cruces
Now abandoned, the building was first constructed in 1937 as the town’s courthouse and jailhouse. Even though abandoned, this is a very active site in terms of paranormal activity. People report many different experiences including little girl’s voices, doors closing, footsteps. Some have even reported seeing the judge from way back in the day. Many describe the courthouse as very unsettling, like you are always being watched. Southwest Expeditions offers ghost tours of the Dona Ana Courthouse. If this is something you want to check out for yourself, check out their website for dates, times, and rates!
https://swexpeditions.com/ghost-tours
Source: David Crider, General Manager of Southwest Expeditions
Fort Seldon, Radium Springs
13 miles from Las Cruces is Fort Seldon, a historic site built post-Civil War in 1865. It’s a classic adobe style Confederate Army Fort that housed units of the California Volunteer Cavalry, U.S. Army Infantry, and the Cavalry. Among these was two members of the 125th Infantry, John Warner, and Fred Hazelhurst. In the year 1866, these two men loved the same woman, Julia Warner, who was married to John Warner.
John found out that Julia was having an affair with his fellow officer, Fred Hazelhurst. He sent her home and petitioned for a divorce. However, Julia kept writing to her lover and John eventually found this out too. He armed himself with pistols and went to confront Fred. John shot Fred and the two wrestled until Fred got a hold of one of John’s pistols and shot him dead. Fred and Julia would have lived happily ever after, but Fred too died a few hours later. It is said that you can feel the two rival men’s presence in the spot the two fought to the death over love.
Source: Alexandra McKinny, Instructional Coordinator/Historian
The Double Eagle Restaurant in Mesilla
This restaurant has been handed down from owner to owner, but the stories always remain the same. The site was built to match the style of the Mesilla Plaza itself in 1849 as a residence. Big house means servants and the Mexican family that occupied the residence needed the help. One of these servants was a girl named Inez, she was one of the maids. The son of this family, Armando was close in age with Inez and the two fell in love. Armando’s mother was not happy when she found out about the pair. She sent Inez away but the two kept seeing one another. One night his mother found the two in his bedroom and in a fit of rage, she attacked Inez with a pair of scissors. In trying to stab Inez, she stabbed Armando too as he stepped in to save his lover. It is said that the two lovers’ spirits can be seen in the Carlota Salon, Armando’s old bedroom. They are said to be seen sitting up in the chairs in the corner of the room. They like to move things and call your name from another room. They are not malevolent spirits, but very much like the age they were when they died, they like to play pranks.
Source(s): C.W. “Buddy” Kitter, Owner; Jerry, New Mexico True Television
Amador Hotel, Downtown Las Cruces
An honorable mention is the Amador Hotel which is currently closed and has just been given the green light for renovations to be reopened as a hotel in the next five or so years. Originally built in 1866, it was a popular place for travelers on the El Comino Real trail. The building served many different purposes throughout its history such as a courthouse, post office, bank, hotel, county office, and was even said to have been a brothel. People have reported flashlights being turned off and on, arms being scratched, and shadowy figures lurking the halls. It’s said to be Annie, a little girl that likes to haunt the second floor.
I’m sure there are many more spots that have paranormal activity around town and surrounding the city. I’ve heard stories about bowling alleys and RGH, the freshman dorm on campus, and outside of Garcia Hall/Spiritual Center.
Would you consider yourself a believer? Do these stories ring true, or are they just folklore? Only one way to find out.