Battle of Mesilla

Here is a Civil War battle I'd never heard of before, and actually there were two battles at Mesilla, a town in the southern part of New Mexico along the Mexican border. Back then it was part of the Arizona Territory.

From the July 23rd Las Cruces (NM) Sun-News "Dedication of sign depicting the historic Civil War Battle of Mesilla" by S. Derrickson Moore.

From August 1, 1861, to July 1862, Mesilla was the capital of the Arizona Territory Confederate States of America as a result of the first battle when a small force under Confederate Lt.-Col. John Robert Baylor defeated another small force under Union Major Isaac Lynde in fighting between June 24-27, 1861.

The New Mexico Sons of Confederate Veterans has paid for the sign which will be dedicated tomorrow, July 24th.

On June 24, 1861, Baylor and about 300 men were at Mesilla when Lynde and about 380 soldiers approached the town and demanded they surrender. Upon refusal, shots were exchanged and an inept attack made by the Union force. A few days later, Lynde returned to Fort Fillmore (near Mesilla) which he later abandoned when he found out Baylor had sent for reinforcements.

He then retreated to San Augustin Pass and surrendered.

Losses at the first battle were small and disputed. Confederate: 2 killed, 7 wounded. Union: 3-13 killed, 6 wounded.

On August 1, 1861, Baylor proclaimed the Arizona Territory of the Confederate States of America and made himself governor.

There was a second Battle of Mesilla outside of town on June 1, 1862 which was a Union victory. Confederate forces withdrew back into the town.

A Little-Known Aspect of the War. --Old B-Runner