Albuquerque History, New Mexico

Albuquerque, NM US - History: A Colonial Outpost of Spanish Origin The Spanish missionaries had settled Albuquerque in the late 1600’s on the land abandoned by the Pueblos. According to the significant historical resources, the town traces its establishment in the year 1706, as a colonial outpost, with Spanish origin. Primarily, it was a military outpost and had a farming community.

 How Albuquerque got its name?

The town was bestowed with the current name in the honor of viceroy of Spain summoned as Duke of Albuquerque, who held the office from 1702 to 1710. But later, the first “r” from the name was left out as one of the station masters, who was from the Anglo American origin, could not pronounce it properly.  

Establishment similar to other Spanish Colony

The entire establishment of the town was done in the same manner, in which the other Spanish colonies were built. For example, just like the other towns, even Albuquerque had government buildings, which were surrounded by a central plaza, church and homes. “Old town” was the historic name conferred to the central plaza. Over the years, it has been preserved and is open to the natives and the tourists as a commercial centre, cultural area and museum.

 Albuquerque after Civil War

Later in the February of 1862, Confederate troops had occupied the town during the Civil War. The troops were under the General Sibley, who later also advanced with his entire guild of troops into the mainland of New Mexico. Moreover, even at the time of his retreat on April 8 1862, the General once again made the stand in this town.

 Role of transport in establishment of New Albuquerque

When the Santa Fe Railroad, Topeka and Atchison marked their arrival in the year 1880, the plaza was bypassed and rail yards and the passenger depots were located. This led to the establishment of the New town or New Albuquerque.

 Until 1940, the old two continued to exist as a separate and isolated community but later it was added into the Albuquerque city and publicly incorporated by the year 1891. By 1990, New Albuquerque flourished as a Southwestern town and had more than 8,000 inhabitants. Later in the year of 1902, the renowned Alvarado Hotel was also built near the passenger depot. For years, it continued to be a significant symbol of Albuquerque, but, later in the year of 1970, it was torn down. After this time, the town has witnessed several other events of historical significance further adding to its importance.

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• International Balloon Museum
  travel tip by tibi posted more then 30 days ago
  The Andersen Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum is one of the interesting museum's that traces the history of something that you can't find anywhere: ballooning. With live shows and entertaining events, the museum...
• New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science
  travel tip by ainoChan posted more then 30 days ago
  Featuring exhibitions that provide information and facts about New Mexico's and the world's geology, formation, and inhabitants, the museum is one of the places that has to visited while in Albuquerque. You might find out things...
• Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
  travel tip by Torontoguy posted more then 30 days ago
  Resembling a traditional adobe house with a modern twist, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center concentrates on the history and lives of the Pueblo Native American people. The center has a museum with great and interesting artifacts which...

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