The Las Cruces Railroad Museum ft. Kyle McGrogan

Join us for a special episode of Preserving History & Democracy as we record from the historic Las Cruces Railroad Museum in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Communications Coordinator Cynthia Mendoza and producer Bernardine Caporale sit down with museum curator and educator Kyle McGregor to explore the powerful role railroads played in shaping the Mesilla Valley. In this episode, we discuss how the arrival of the railroad in 1881 helped transform Las Cruces from a small village into a growing community, while nearby Mesilla missed the opportunity to host the rail line. Kyle shares fascinating stories about early train travel, the people who worked on the railroads, and how the railroad influenced local architecture, business, and culture. You'll also hear about the historic depot building that now houses the museum, the evolution of train technology, and even the time Theodore Roosevelt stopped in Las Cruces during a visit in 1911. Whether you're a local history enthusiast or simply curious about how railroads connected communities across the country, this episode offers a fascinating look at how one rail line helped shape the future of Las Cruces. Watch here. Hosted by: Bernardine Caporale, Cynthia Diaz  Special Guest: Kyle McGrogan Produced by: Bernardine Caporale, Cynthia Diaz, Jacob Salughter Edited by: Jacob Slaughter