Socorro in Socorro County, New Mexico — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Juan Jose Baca House
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 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Socorro (within shouting distance of this marker); The Garcia Opera House (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Jumbo (about 600 feet away); New Mexico Tech (approx. 0.8 miles away); For Southern Independence (approx. one mile away); New Mexico Bureau of Mines and Mineral Resources Museum
this page online
Regarding Juan Jose Baca House. Excerpt from "Mayors of Socorro" by the City of Socorro:
Juan Jose 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.
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.
via City of Socorro (public domain), March 13, 2014
3. Juan Jose Baca (1843-
Credits. This page was last revised on April 27, 2022. It was originally submitted on April 27, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 165 times since then and 86 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 27, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
