To the west of El Paso, Texas, Las Cruces, New Mexico is basically part of Texas. At least to some El Pasoans. Founded in 1849, Las Cruces was named after three crosses that used to stand just north of the town.
A national park located in the area is the White Sands Missle Range founded in 1944, and their test facility which was founded in 1963.
The growth of Las Cruces is credited to their university, New Mexico State University. This growth has also led to two annual wine festivals. The Harvest Wine Festival and Southern New Mexico Wine Festival.