Building used for WWII POWs going into state registry
Sun News Report
Las Cruces Sun-News
Staff and wire report
SANTA FE - Two sites in Doña Ana County Ñ a building in Las Cruces and a Mesilla-area archeological site Ñ have been added to the State Register of Cultural Properties.
The building is located at 535 S. Melendres St. The approximately 70-year-old, single story, nine-room building was used as a prisoner of war camp headquarters during World War II. It was originally used as a Civilian Conservation Corps camp schoolhouse.
Today, the building is used as an archeological office, laboratory facility and archives.
"The (Italian and German) POWs housed in Las Cruces made the war more 'real' to those whose part in the war was to maintain the home front," the nomination paperwork for the building's addition to the Register reads.
Also added to the list is an archeological site west of Mesilla where a village-type settlement existed in the year 200 A.D.
The two sites have been added to the 43 other sites in Doña Ana County already on the list.
The New Mexico Historic Preservation Division announced the sites this week, and they were added to the Registry during a meeting of the Cultural Properties Review Committee earlier this month.
A portion of historic Route 66 that runs through the countryside between Bernalillo and Algodones was also added.
Officials said the two-lane road still follows the original 1926 alignment.
"You still get the feeling and association of traveling Route 66 in its hey day while driving this part of the road," said John Murphy, the Historic Preservation Division's Register coordinator.
Murphy said it's significant that the state listed this section of the road in light of recent publicity over the endangered status of Route 66 and its related resources.
The review committee also decided to list the Santa Fe Armory, through which every man in New Mexico passed if he was inducted into the Armed Forces during World War II. The building was listed in recognition of its contribution to shaping the history of New Mexico and the nation.
"I don't think anything more signifies the hearts and souls of the men who went through that building and risked or gave their lives," Col. Jack Fox, second in command of the New Mexico National Guard, told the committee.
Archaeology sites along the banks of the Pecos near Sumner Lake were also added to the list along with a Methodist Church in Elida, which was nominated for its Gothic Revival architecture.
Built in 1907, the church is still the most active building in town since it serves as an activities center for senior citizens.
©Las Cruces Sun News