The place has an historical interest, inas-…
source date: 1891
availability: public-domain

The place has an historical interest, inas- much as it was the oldest settlement within what are now the borders of Grant county, with the possible exception of Pinos Altos. The settlement was established about 1858, by Syl- vester Mowry, a graduate of West Point, and a first lieutenant in the 4th U. S. artillery. He was a full-blooded Yankee, having been born in Rhode Island, and was stationed at Fort Yuma, on the Colorado river. He was of an adventurous disposition of the Col. Mulberry Sellers variety and was open to any and all kinds of propositions which promised an imme- mediate reward, on a grand scale. Whilst sta- tioned at Fort Yuma, it occurred to Mowry that the Mimbres crossing offered unusual facilities for the establishment of a large and remunera- tive settlement. No sooner was the scheme originated, than the doughty soldier of fortune took steps to carry it into successful operation. Whether his faith in the country was real or imaginary, he made it appear as wonderfully rich in minerals. At this time, the Mimbres river Apaches, under the leadership of the famous Mangas Colorado, held undisputed sway over the entire country now embraced in Grant county, as well as what is now Dona Ana, and a portion of Sierra. Nothing daunted at the obstacles which beset his path, Mowry pro- ceeded to lay out the future city which was to become famous in connection with his name.

ted sway over the entire country now embraced in Grant county, as well as what is now Dona Ana, and a portion of Sierra. Nothing daunted at the obstacles which beset his path, Mowry pro- ceeded to lay out the future city which was to become famous in connection with his name. He built solid stone and adobe houses, many of which still exist in a remarkable state of preser- vation, notwithstanding the ravages of a third of a century.