Kittrell Park, in the center of Socorro's historic Plaza, is named for a local dentist who first planted grass and trees. Dr. L. E. Kittrellis buried in the park under the gazebo. The Plaza is still a center of community activities. Established in 1816 at the time of the original Spanish land grant, this plaza developed into the traditional social, political and economic hub of the community. Excellent example of Mexican and Territorial period architecture surround the plaza, which is named after Dr. L.E. Kittrell, a local dentist who landscaped the plaza in the 1880's.