Las Vegas in San Miguel County, New Mexico — The American Mountains (Southwest)

Ludwig W. Ilfeld Hardware Store

1913

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 14, 2023

1. Ludwig W. Ilfeld Hardware Store Marker

Inscription. Originally a two-story Victorian hardware store for Marwede, Brumley & Co., then restructured by Ludwig Ilfeld after a 1913 fire, this building later housed the N.T. and Fair Department Stores.

Erected by Las Vegas Citizens' Committee for Historic Preservation.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the National Register of Historic Places series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1913.

Location. 35° 35.625′ N, 105° 13.455′ W. Marker is in Las Vegas, New Mexico, in San Miguel County. Marker is on Bridge Street west of Valencia Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 108 Bridge St, Las Vegas NM 87701, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Bridge Bar (here, next to this marker); Francisco Vasquez Coronado (a few steps from this marker); Givens Block (within shouting distance of this marker); Weil & Graaf Commercial Merchants/Bank Saloon (within shouting distance of this marker); Chapman Hall/Winternitz Block (within shouting distance of this marker); Baca Building (about 300 feet away,

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

measured in a direct line); Isidor Stern’s “Famous” Dry Good Store (about 300 feet away); Maloof Hall (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Las Vegas.

Regarding Ludwig W. Ilfeld Hardware Store. Excerpt from the National Register of Historic Places nomination for the Bridge Street Historic District, which includes this building:

The hardware store of Ludwig William Ilfeld was also one of Bridge Street's most important businesses. A member of a large clan of German Jewish merchants, Ilfeld first came to Las Vegas in 1891 to work for his uncle Charles Ilfeld, one of New Mexico's most successful businessmen who maintained a large mercantile establishment on the plaza. After a six year apprenticeship, Ludwig William briefly conducted an independent venture in nearby Springer, but following a trip to Germany returned permanently to Las Vegas. In addition to his business interests in the town he held the position of fire chief for many years.

Also see . . .
1. Bridge Street Historic District. National Register nomination (PDF) and photographs (separate PDF) submitted for the district,

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 14, 2023

2. Ludwig W. Ilfeld Hardware Store Marker

which was listed in 1978. (Prepared by John O. Baxter, State Records Center and Archives, and Sylvia Cook, State Planning Office; via National Park Service) (Submitted on November 23, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

2. The Ilfelds: A Family Story of Jewish Pioneers in New Mexico. The Ilfelds, like other Jewish pioneer merchants, ranchers, wool and livestock traders, played a major role in the social and economic development of nineteenth century New Mexico. (Sophia Truneh, Southwest Jewish History, Winter 1995; via University of Arizona Southwest Jewish Archives) (Submitted on November 23, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Credits. This page was last revised on November 23, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 23, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 45 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 23, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.