The Las Cruces Floods of 1935

Welcome to this episode of Preserving History and Democracy! In today's episode, we're joined by special guest Troy Ainsworth for an in-depth conversation about the historic 1935 floods that struck Las Cruces, New Mexico. Troy sets the stage by painting a vivid picture of what life was like in the city during the 1930s, exploring how the economic climate shaped the region—especially in the aftermath of the flood. We then dive into the architectural challenges faced at the time, particularly the widespread use of adobe, a traditional Southwestern building material that proved vulnerable in heavy rains. Troy explains how monsoon season can wreak havoc in the desert, and how flooding impacts both the land and the flow of the Rio Grande. Our discussion moves to the agricultural landscape of Doña Ana County, where Troy highlights the importance of farming communities along the river and how floods, though initially destructive, sometimes brought long-term benefits to the land. We also explore the lasting impact of the 1935 flood, including changes in infrastructure and policies, and compare it to other significant floods in the area's history. Troy shares detailed insights into the damage caused, as well as how the community responded and rebuilt in its wake. To bring the story to life, we also share rare historical photos from the time of the flood. Special Guest: Troy Ainsworth  Hosted by: Bernardine Caporale, Cynthia Mendoza  Produced by: Bernardine Caporale, Cynthia Mendoza, Jacob Slaughter  Edited by: Jacob Slaughter