Old Town in Albuquerque in Bernalillo County, New Mexico — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Albuquerque
Photographed By Phil Green, August 14, 2021
1. Albuquerque Marker
In 1706, New Mexico Governor Francisco Cuervo y Valdes founded the new Villa de Albuquerque (now spelled Albuquerque). Here, the Camino Real wound its way through a series of farming and ranching communities to a nearby ford, linking the road settlements on the west bank of the Rio Grande. Albuquerque retains its original plan with streets radiating from a central plaza. The 1793 San Felipe de Neri Church and Rectory remain from the Spanish Colonial period and most historic buildings around the plaza date from c. 1870 to c. 1900.
See other side
Continued
Albuquerque was the main commercial center for the Rio Grande valley until the 1880 arrival of the railroad, one-and-a-half miles east of the plaza. Growth and development centered on the railroad and "New" Albuquerque. Now known as Plaza Vieja or Old Town, the plaza, plan of narrow streets, and historic buildings are representative of a traditional Hispanic city.
Erected by New Mexico Historic Preservation Division.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1706.
Location. 35° 5.775′
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Mountain Howitzers (a few steps from this marker); Founding of Albuquerque (a few steps from this marker); Confederate Soldiers (a few steps from this marker); Skirmish of Albuquerque (a few steps from this marker); San Felipe De Neri (within shouting distance of this marker); Albuquerque POW / MIA Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); The Mother Church of Albuquerque (within shouting distance of this marker); San Felipe de Alburquerque (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Albuquerque.
More about this marker. Although this marker states that it is an Official Scenic Historic Marker, it does not appear in the Official Scenic Historic Marker Guide published by the New Mexico Historic Preservation Division.
Photographed By Phil Green, August 14, 2021
2. Albuquerque Marker Reverse
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, July 22, 2011
3. Previous Albuquerque Marker
In 1706, New Mexico Governor Francisco Cuervo y Valdes founded the new Villa de Albuquerque (now Albuquerque), which became the principal settlement of the Rio Abajo, or lower river district. Here, the Camino Real wound its way through a series of farming and ranching communities and led to a nearby ford which linked the Camino Real to settlements on the west bank of the Rio Grande.
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, July 22, 2011
4. Previous Albuquerque Marker Reverse
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, July 22, 2011
5. Albuquerque Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 29, 2011, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,246 times since then and 33 times this year. Last updated on August 14, 2021, by Phil Green of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 14, 2021, by Phil Green of Albuquerque, New Mexico. 3, 4, 5. submitted on July 29, 2011, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
