Schmap Albuquerque Historical Background

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Albuquerque - Historical Background
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The Rio Grande has always brought life to the inhabitants of the Albuquerque valley. The river provided water to traders and nomads as they made their way across the high desert. As early as 500 A.D., pockets of civilization began to appear along the river that served as the principal trade route between the pre-pueblo culture and other groups who lived to the north. For over six centuries, this culture thrived as the people developed transportation and communication networks. The bounty of the region provided rich soil for farming, and the nearby mountains harbored wildlife for hunting. Although not a city by today's standards, at least 15,000 people were cultivating the Middle Rio Grande Valley by the 15th century.

Spanish Colonization

The river that brought life to this peaceful civilization, also served as a conduit for the Spanish conquest. In 1540, a group of Spanish explorers under the command of Francisco Vasquez de Coronado encountered the natives when they traveled north from Mexico in search of the mythical Seven Cities of Cibola. At first, the Indians welcomed the new travelers with open arms, but the Spanish viewed the natives as heathens and therefore inferior. The two cultures inevitably clashed. Coronado set up his winter quarters in one of the pueblos, Tiguex (present-day Bernalillo near Albuquerque). This was a harsh winter for the Spanish as they suffered from fierce attacks by the natives. One year later, Coronado returned to Tiguex on his trip back to Mexico. This was the beginning of Spanish colonization of the area now known to Europeans as Nuevo Mexico. The remains of Tiguex now form the heart of Coronado State Monument.

"The Duke’s City"

More than a century passed and the American Southwest was claimed as Spanish territory. Don Francisco Cuervo y Valdez, the territory's provisional governor, petitioned the crown for permission to establish a villa in the area in 1706. He proposed naming the new settlement San Francisco Xavier de Alburquerque, in honor of the Duke who was responsible for preliminary approval of Cuervo's application. This settlement was nicknamed "The Duke's City" by the Spanish settlers. The 18 original families lived in a walled village in an area now known as Old Town. In later years, Anglo settlers shortened the name to Albuquerque leaving out the first "r".

United States Territory

The Spanish colonies grew and in 1821, Mexico declared its independence from Spain. The new government opened Nuevo Mexico to trade with the Americans. Under the spell of Jefferson's Manifest Destiny, Americans began settling in territory claimed by the young Mexican government. When the United States annexed the Texas Republic in 1845, Congress sent troops to the Rio Grande to protect the new territory. Clashes with Mexican forces eventually led to a declaration of war with Mexico in 1846. Two years later, U.S. General Stephen Kearny declared New Mexico a United States Territory and established a military outpost in Albuquerque.

Confederate Flag

Less than 20 years passed before another flag flew briefly in the skies above New Mexico, when the Confederate Army briefly occupied Albuquerque during the Civil War. 1880 marked the arrival of the railroad that changed the city dramatically and forever. The train depot divided the city into two districts, Old Town and New Town. The people who arrived in the next five years began to outnumber the original inhabitants. This brought changes in architectural style and the city's ethnic makeup. Soon afterward, telephone and electricity made their debut.

The 47th State

Albuquerque was incorporated as a town in 1885 and just six years later was recognized as a city. New Mexico was admitted to the United States in 1912, becoming the 47th state in the Union. Albuquerque's mild year-round weather brought about the building of sanatoriums that attracted many invalids from around the world. Two of the sanatoriums operating at that time, Presbyterian Hospital and St. Joseph Hospital, are still standing today. In 1926, the United States established the first transcontinental highway, Route 66. This transformed Albuquerque's main drag into a thriving tourist attraction. In 1928, Albuquerque's airport opened, officially internationalizing travel to the city.

Hi-Tech Research and Development

The First World War had very little effect on the thriving city, but this was not true for World War II. In 1942, the United States government built Kirtland Air Force Base, which became an integral part of the Manhattan Project. After the war, Sandia National Laboratories, a research and development facility, was built on Kirtland. This top-secret facility became even more important during the Cold War. Sandia Labs has helped Albuquerque establish a reputation as one of the world's top high-tech research and development cities.

Quality of Life

Albuquerque has made a commitment in recent years to preserving both its ancient and more recent past. The city council's Quality of Life Tax has generated funds for the purchase and protection of many acres of open space and the enhancement of existing facilities. Old Town is now a thriving tourist center and Downtown is the subject of an ongoing and highly successful revitalization project. The All-Indian Pueblo Council created The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center documenting and celebrating Pueblo Indian history and accomplishments.

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Downtown

Albuquerque
United States

The hub of business and government activity in the city is the bustling downtown area. The Civic Plaza also plays host to myriad other activities and during summer months, Summerfest is held. This is a celebration of New Mexico's many cultures that showcases the food, music and dance of a different ethnic group every Saturday. While the Civic Plaza is downtown's outdoor venue, the KiMo Theater, renovated in 1999-2000, is the city's crown jewel of indoor venues for the performing arts. The Hyatt Regency, one of the city's newest luxury hotels dominates the downtown skyline. With two lounges and a restaurant that offers fine dining, this is the ultimate hotel for the business traveler.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Indian Pueblo Culture Center

19 Southwestern Pueblos Explored 2401 12th St NW
(1 block north of I-40)
Albuquerque, NM 87102
United States
+1 505 843 7270 / +1 800 766 4405
http://www.indianpueblo.org/in... The cultural center is owned and operated by the 19 Pueblo Tribes of New Mexico. Visit the museums, galleries and gift shops where more than 305,000 visitors annually experience the culture, art and history of pueblo life. Children are welcome to join hands-on experiences in the Pueblo House Children's Museum. Art and craft workshops, various Indian Rites and many special celebrations and events are planned throughout the year. The Pueblo Restaurant serves great New Mexican and Native American dishes at reasonable prices.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Old Town

Albuquerque
United States
Whether you stroll through this historic district on your own, or take a tour with the Albuquerque Museum, Old Town is the perfect place to begin exploring The Duke City. At the heart of this district is the original central plaza that is lined with over 100 quaint little shops. Like everything else in Albuquerque, a visit to Old Town is a delightful mix of old and new, with sights that range from Civil War cannons to the Church of San Felipe de Neri. A stroll around the plaza will give you a glimpse into the rich history of the area as well as a taste of the artistic talents showcased in places like The Adobe Gallery. Stop in at The Candy Lady for a delectable chocolate. Go further back in time with a trip through the New Mexico Museum of Natural History, or satisfy your childlike curiosity in the Explora! Science Center.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Old Town

Historic Old Town Plaza 303 Romero NW
Albuquerque, NM 87104
United States
+1 505 243 3215
http://www.albuquerqueoldtown.com Take a walk through history around Albuquerque's original central plaza, the serene village that has been the focal point of community life since 1706. Quiet hidden patios, winding brick paths, gardens and balconies are waiting to be discovered. Wrought iron benches and adobe bancos (benches) beckon you to rest in the shade and watch people stroll. Unique items from around the world, as well as those distinctively Southwestern, can be found in more than 100 shops and boutiques.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Route 66

America's historic mother road 4508 17th CT Northwest
New Mexico Route 66 Association
Albuquerque, NM 87107
United States
+1 505 344 9330
http://www.2006route66festival... Route 66 was commissioned in 1926 and was finished just before World War II. Only parts of the original highway still exist, but there is a great trend to restore and maintain sections of this historic road. In Albuquerque, remnants of an age gone by still cling to life on what is now Central Avenue. You will find the Route 66 Diner, the Duran Drugstore, and the newly restored KiMo Theater.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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