NUEVO CASAS GRANDES

also called Nueva Casas Grandes, city, northern Chihuahua estado (state), northern Mexico. It lies along the Casas Grandes River, about 130 miles (210 km) southwest of Ciudad Jurez. The city was established in 1886 by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons), and it remains a Mormon outpost. Situated at an elevation of 4,832 feet (1,473 m), Nuevo Casas Grandes lies 4 miles (7 km) from the extensive, multistoried pre-Columbian ruins called Casas Grandes by the Spaniards who settled the region in the 17th century. Pop. (1980) 28,514.