Village of Tularosa—derived its name from the Spanish work “tule” meaning reeds or cattails, but today it is known as the “City of Roses”. Its population is approximately 2,615 and elevation 4,500 feet.

In the 1860’s, settlers came from washed-out villages on the Rio Grand near Mesilla. Because of frequent raids by the Apaches from what is now the Mescalero Apache Reservation, occupation was untenable and the site was abandoned. Another settlement was attempted in 1862, with Fort Stanton in the mountains to the east for protection, it was successful. Orchards were planted and homes were built and forty nine blocks of the new village were plotted with allocated irrigation rights.

The acequias (irrigation ditches) carried the clear mountain water that nourished the fruit trees.  This period of time was ideal for the town and was known as the Golden Age. Some of the original block-long adobe homes still exist. Their walls are decorated with murals.

In 1868 the settlers and Apaches battled at “Round Mountain”. This event was commemorated with the building of the first church, St. Francis de Paula. Throughout Tularosa’s history it has had a variety of different people from different walks of life. From Texas cattlemen, merchants, former Union soldiers, professionals and promoters. 

Tularosa hosts its annual Rose Festival held the first weekend in May. Tularosa residents are also invited by the Apaches to come to the Mescalero Reservation to observe the 4th of July celebration. It is well known for its display of luminarias on Christmas Eve.

 

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