Socorro in Socorro County, New Mexico — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Juan Jose Baca House
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 10, 2023
1. Juan Jose Baca House Marker
Built circa 1870.
Original home of a
prominent territorial New
Mexico merchant and
political figure.
Site No. 153
State of New Mexico
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1870.
Location. 34° 3.509′ N, 106° 53.603′ W. Marker is in Socorro, New Mexico, in Socorro County. Marker is at the intersection of Abeyta Avenue and Bernard, on the right when traveling west on Abeyta Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 115 Abeyta Ave, Socorro NM 87801, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Socorro (within shouting distance of this marker); The Garcia Opera House (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Abeyta Block (about 500 feet away); Jumbo (about 600 feet away); Church of the Epiphany (about 600 feet away); Jesus Maria Torres House (about 800 feet away); Price Lowenstein Mercantile (approx. 0.2 miles away); Knights of Pythias Hall (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Socorro.
Regarding Juan Jose Baca House. Excerpt from "Mayors of Socorro" by the City of Socorro:
JuanJose Baca was Socorro’s second mayor and served for the year 1883. Born in 1843, he was a grandson to one of Socorro’s first settlers. This Baca family raised sheep and cattle and become quite wealthy. Juan Jose joined the militia and fought in the Civil War Battle at Valverde, in 1862.
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This Baca family is also well known for building one of Socorro’s landmark buildings on the corner of Bernard and Abeyta streets — today’s Stage Door Grill. The territorial-era house was first built by Juan’s grandfather, in 1848.
In 1870, Juan expanded the building into a mercantile store. Upon the arrival of the railroad, in 1882, the second story and pitched roof were added. Later that year, Juan Jose Baca was elected as Socorro’s second mayor.
Juan Jose Baca was also elected to the New Mexico Territorial Senate, and introduced the legislation that created the New Mexico School of Mines in Socorro.
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 10, 2023
2. Juan Jose Baca House Marker
via City of Socorro (public domain), March 13, 2014
3. Juan Jose Baca (1843-
Credits. This page was last revised on November 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 27, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 390 times since then and 111 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 27, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
