County moves to name road for 1800s lawman
Under proposal, Las Cruces road would bear name of Pat Garrett
LAS CRUCES — If a local historical group is successful, Motel Boulevard will be renamed after famous Old West lawman Pat Garrett, who served as Doña Ana County Sheriff in the late 1800s.
The Doña Ana County Board of County Commissioners last week voted 5-0 to back a petition circulated by the Doña Ana County Historical Society to rename the street after Garrett.
“We think this is a worthwhile project, and we hope that you will, too,” Bob Gamboa, a member of the historical society’s board, told commissioners.
Doña Ana County commissioners don’t have the authority to rename the route. Motel Boulevard is in the city of Las Cruces’ jurisdiction, so renaming it will require city approval.
But historical society leaders said the city’s process starts with a petition, which name change proponents must circulate among property owners on and near the street proposed to be renamed.
Garrett, known for shoooting and killing outlaw Billy the Kid, was in the spotlight earlier this year when county commissioners declared June 16 as Pat Garrett Day in Doña Ana County.
That proclamation was in honor of the county clerk’s office unveiling a coroner’s report on Garrett’s death, discovered last year in the county vault.
Garrett was fatally shot and killed in 1908 outside Las Cruces. A coroner’s jury identified the shooter, who was acquitted after a jury trial.
After speaking with city officials, the historical society found 94 properties were along and near Motel Boulevard, Gamboa said. To seek a street renaming, 75 percent of them would have to agree.
“We now have all but a few signatures to reach that goal,” he said.
The historical society approached Doña Ana County about the proposal, because the county’s headquarters is at 845 N. Motel Blvd., Gamboa said. As a property owner, the city can sign the petition.
The group has had trouble getting support from owners of vacant properties along Motel Boulevard and from residents who live on nearby streets and must be consulted, Gamboa said.
The Travel Centers of America gas station and restaurant and other large property owners support the plan, he said.