Las Cruces in Doña Ana County, New Mexico — The American Mountains (Southwest)

María Gutiérrez Spencer

Advocate for Social Justice

— (1919 - 1992) —

María Gutiérrez Spencer Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Wyndfire, October 17, 2015

1. María Gutiérrez Spencer Marker

Inscription. Punished for not speaking English in school, María Gutiérrez Spencer devoted her life to validating the Indo-Hispano experience. A graduate of University of California, Berkeley and New Mexico State University, she pioneered bilingual and bicultural education in New Mexico, founding BOLD: Bicultural Orientation and Language Development in Silver City. Maria battled cancer for 50 years, but traveled worldwide to train teachers. She was honored by the Wonder Woman Foundation with Rosa Parks in 1981.

Erected 2015 by New Mexico Historic Preservation Division.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Civil Rights • Education • Women. In addition, it is included in the New Mexico Women’s Historic Marker Initiative series list.

Location. 32° 16.91′ N, 106° 45.357′ W. Marker is in Las Cruces, New Mexico, in Doña Ana County. It is at the intersection of Espina Street and Espina Street and Horseshoe Street, on the right when traveling south on Espina Street. Located on the campus of New Mexico State University, outside of Skeen Hall. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2900-3048 S Espina Street, Las Cruces NM 88001, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Rio Grande Valley.

It is also in the American Southwest.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Gadsden Purchase,

and the Republic of Texas.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within

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3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Miller Field Gates (within shouting distance of this marker); Doña Ana County Courthouse (approx. 2.2 miles away); La Posta de Mesilla (approx. 2.3 miles away); Billy the Kid (approx. 2.3 miles away); Civil War Battle of Mesilla & Major Lynde's Retreat (approx. 2.3 miles away); Mesilla Plaza (approx. 2.4 miles away); Plaza de Mesilla (approx. 2.4 miles away); All Servicemen and Women (approx. 2.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Las Cruces.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Doña Ana County Courthouse and Jail (was approx. 2.3 miles away but has been confirmed missing).

Photographed by Wyndfire, October 17, 2015

2. María Gutiérrez Spencer Marker

Back of the Marker
The New Mexico Historic Women Marker Initiative was founded in 2005 by members of the New Mexico Women's Forum in a statewide effort to recognize women's contributions to New Mexico history on the state's Official Scenic Historic Markers. The Initiative ensures that women's diverse histories will be remembered and told, and will inspire and provide a guide for future generations. The 2006 Legislature funded the project.

Photographed by Wyndfire, October 17, 2015

3. María Gutiérrez Spencer Marker

Wide view of the marker.

Credits. This page was last revised on September 24, 2020. It was originally submitted on October 17, 2015, by Jennifer W. of Las Cruces, New Mexico. This page has been viewed 920 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 17, 2015, by Jennifer W. of Las Cruces, New Mexico. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.