Travels and Trails : Sunstone Press : 9781632933829 : 1632933829 : 15 Apr 2022 : Las Vegas, New Mexico was officially settled along the Gallinas River in 1835 even though a community had been established more than 10 years earlier. This settlement became known as West Las Vegas, Town of Las Vegas, or Old Town. When Mexico declared its independence from Spain in 1821 the Santa Fe Trail opened and Las Vegas quickly grew as an important commercial stop. After traveling weeks across the prairies, this was the first settlement for the pioneers in the wagon trains to enjoy fresh food, a bath, and maybe even a bed! As the years progressed many stores, restaurants, and bars sprang up. The town has preserved both early Hispanic architecture and the Anglo Qnfluence brought in from the Santa Fe Trail and the railroad. There are many buildings well over 100 years old that currently house working businesses. With this book you can explore the growth of the original town and learn about the people w