The one-of-a-kind character of Albuquerque is the result of many different forces, perhaps none as important as the centuries of history that have shaped the city of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Starting with the Native Americans who have lived here for thousands of years and continuing through Albuquerque’s official founding in 1706, the city has grown into a multi-cultural metropolis of approximately 840,000 people. While the modern city of Albuquerque is a center of high-tech industry and research, it retains vital connections to the past, such as the ancient rock carvings at Petroglyph National Monument, the historic Old Town Plaza and the trail of vintage neon signs along Route 66 spanning the city. Albuquerque proudly celebrated its Tricentennial in 2006—but our roots go back much farther. It is important to understand all of the people who have influenced the area to fully appreciate the complexity of the history of Albuquerque. The Rio Grande Valley has been populated and cultivated since as far back as 2,000 B.C. The Pueblo people who lived in the area when Europeans arrived had a sophisticated culture and advanced skills in stone masonry, ceramics and a wide range of arts and crafts. Many of these traditional techniques are practiced to this day, handed down through the generations. San Felipe de Neri church in old town by elaine warner - taking a tour is a good way to start learning about the history of albuquerque new mexico.The first Spanish explorers arrived in Albuquerque in approximately 1540 under General Francisco de Coronado, and later expeditions brought settlers deep into New Mexico’s river valleys. In 1706, a group of colonists were granted permission by King Philip of Spain to establish a new villa (city) on the banks of the Rio Grande (which means big or great river). The colonists chose a spot at the foot of the mountains where the river made a wide curve, providing good irrigation for crops and a source of wood from the bosque (the cottonwoods, willows and olive trees that grow along the river) The site also provided protection from, and trade with, the Indians in the area. The colony’s Governor, Francisco Cuervo y Valdez, penned a letter to the Duke of Alburquerque back in Spain to report their newly founded villa, named La Villa de Alburquerque in honor of the Duke. Over the centuries the first “r” was dropped, leaving Albuquerque spelled as it is today. The early Spanish settlers were religious people, and the first building erected was a small adobe chapel where today’s San Felipe de Neri Church still stands in Albuquerque’s Old Town. Its plaza was surrounded by adobe homes, clustered close together for mutual protection. The chapel collapsed after the particularly rainy summer of 1792, but was rebuilt a year later. While the San Felipe de Neri Church has been enlarged and remodeled several times since the 1700s, its original thick adobe walls remain intact. The church is the anchor of Old Town, the historic and sentimental heart of Albuquerque, and the Plaza is host to many cultural events and local celebrations. Today, Albuquerque is a major Southwestern city with a diverse population and some of the nation’s leading high-tech research facilities including Sandia National Laboratory, Intel and University of New Mexico. At the same time, its cultural traditions continue to be an essential part of everyday life in the city. With one foot in the past, one foot in the present and both eyes on the future, Albuquerque is a fascinating place to visit and an even better place to call home. For a closer look at the fascinating history of Albuquerque, New Mexico, be sure to see the other articles in this section, including a historical timeline.
