As Halloween approaches, Las Cruces residents and visitors can experience a unique blend of history and the supernatural at the city’s historic courthouse on Amador Avenue. Southwest Expeditions, a locally owned tour operator, runs nightly ghost walks that highlight the building’s architectural legacy and the lingering legends that have made it a favorite haunt for paranormal enthusiasts.
Historic Roots of the Courthouse
Opened in 1938, the Amador Avenue courthouse served as the seat of the Third Judicial District for nearly a decade before a new facility was built. Its Spanish‑Pueblo‑Revival adobe façade and sturdy stonework have survived decades of New Mexico weather, making it a tangible reminder of the city’s early 20th‑century growth. The building’s long service record means it has witnessed countless trials, civic events and community milestones.
Ghostly Legends That Draw Crowds
Southwest Expeditions’ guide, David Crider, says visitors often report unexplained sounds—doors slamming, footsteps echoing down empty hallways, and fleeting shadows near the second‑floor courtroom. Two recurring spirits dominate the stories shared on the tours.
Mary Waters was a local waitress in the early 1950s. In January of that year she was found semi‑conscious on the street outside the nearby Amador Hotel and was taken to the jail across the road. She died shortly thereafter from a ruptured liver. Some locals recall that she was discovered with a terrified expression, leading to speculation that her death may have had a paranormal element. Waters is buried at the Masonic Cemetery, a short walk from the courthouse, and her story remains a poignant reminder of the city’s past.
Judge Numa Charles Frenger presided over the district from the courthouse’s opening until his death in 1945. Tour participants often claim to see a figure at a second‑floor office window, sometimes on the balcony, smoking a cigar. While the identity cannot be confirmed, the timing and location align with Judge Frenger’s tenure, and many believe his lingering presence reflects his long‑standing authority in the courtroom.
Beyond the Courthouse
Southwest Expeditions also offers ghost tours of the Alameda Historic District, a Spanish‑Pueblo‑Revival adobe house at the corner of Las Cruces Street and Armijo Street. The house, once the residence of Judge Frenger and his wife, is said to be haunted by both of them. Like the courthouse, the district’s historic homes provide a tangible link to the city’s early settlers while offering a spooky backdrop for Halloween‑season visitors.
For those interested in exploring the graves of these local legends, the Masonic Cemetery is open to the public. The cemetery’s quiet rows of headstones allow visitors to pay respects and reflect on the lives that shaped Las Cruces.
Practical Information for Tour‑Goers
Ghost tours run nightly from early September through the end of October. Reservations can be made through Southwest Expeditions’ website at swexpeditions.com/ghost-tours. Tours typically last about an hour and are suitable for adults and older teens; families with younger children are encouraged to consider the daytime historic tours instead.
Tickets are priced at $15 per person, with discounts available for groups of ten or more. The tours are wheelchair‑accessible, and participants are advised to wear comfortable shoes for walking on historic stone pathways.
Why It Matters to the Community
These tours do more than entertain—they preserve local history, support a small business, and foster community pride. By sharing the stories of Mary Waters, Judge Frenger and other figures, residents gain a deeper appreciation for the city’s heritage while enjoying a seasonal activity that brings tourists and locals together.
Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, the haunted courthouse tours offer a memorable way to experience Las Cruces’ past and celebrate the city’s vibrant cultural calendar this fall.
Original reporting: Las Cruces Sun News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
