“El Ermitano”, Agostini-Justiniani

Take a walk through Old Mesilla’s San Albino Cemetery and learn about the rich history of the Mesilla Valley and our Southwest. Visit the Fountain Family plot and hear the tragic story of Albert Jennings Fountain and his son, Henry. Find out about the story of James Edgar Griggs, the patriarch of the Griggs restaurateurs. Remember Civil War history through general store owner, Thomas Jefferson Bull and the plots where California Volunteers of California now rest. Listen to the mystery of Agostini-Justiniani, “El Ermitano” (the Hermit). He was a monk said to have healing powers who lived alone in La Cueva at Dripping Springs.

The field trip will be led by historian, Mary-Kay Shannon, the author of the San Albino Cemetery guide (download HERE) published by the Branigan Cultural Center.

Meet at the entrance to the Cemetery located at the southern end of Calle de Guadalupe in Mesilla, New Mexico (MAP). For reference, La Posta Restaurant, is on the corner of Calle de Guadalupe and the Mesilla Plaza. (MAP)