Old Town History
Front of Marker - English:
1706-The Villa of "Alburquerque" was founded by Don Francisco Cuervo Y Valdes, Governor of the Spanish province of New Mexico. It stood on the Camino Real (Royal Road), which ran between Mexico City and Santa Fe. It became the regional seat of government for the Rio Abajo (lower river), as well as the areas agricultural center.
1821-Mexico declared its independence from Spain, New Mexico joined the new nation to the South, Alburquerque became a major stop on the Chihuahua Trail.
1846-General Kearny raised the flag of the United States of America over the Plaza. The Plaza area became the site of a major military outpost.
1862-Albuquerque was the site of a Civil War skirmish, and, for 36 days the Confederate capital of the Territory of New Mexico.
1880-The railroad arrived, locating 1.5 miles to the east in "New Town", and bringing with it new settlers and new building materials. By the turn of the century, "Old Town" had ceased to be the hub of downtown Albuquerque, but continued as a vital local center.
1900 to present-Old Town continues to be an active commercial, residential, and community center. At its heart is San Felipe de Neri Church and Old Town Plaza.
We welcome you to Historic Old Town and hope you enjoy your visit.
Rear of Marker - Spanish:
Plaza Vieja Historia
1706-La Villa de “Alburquerque” fué fundada por el Gobernador de la Provincia Espanola de Nueva México, Don Francisco Cuervo y Valdes. La Villa estaba situada en el Camino Real, entre La Ciudad de México y Santa Fé. Alburquerque llegó a ser la sede regional del gobierno del Rio Abajo Tanto como el centro de agricultura del area.
1821-México declare su independencia de España, y Nuevo México se unió a la nuevo nación al sur. Alburquerque llegó a ser la parada principal del sendero de Chihuahua. Durante esta época, el deletreo del nombre Cambió Poco a Poco a “Albuquerque”.
1846-El General Steven Kearny enarboló la bandera de Las Estados Unidos de America [ ] la plaza, la [ ] llegó a ser el lugar de una guarnicion militar principal.
1862-Albuquerque fué el sitio de una escaramuza de la Guerro Civil, y durante 36 dias, fué la capital del ejército Confederado del Territorio de Nuevo México.
1880-Llego el ferrocarril y se establecio a 1.5 millas hacia al est en la "Plaza Nueva", y trajo nuevos pobladores y materiales de construccion. A fines del []iglo, la "Plaza Vieja" dejo de ser el corazon de la ciudad pero continuo como area principal.
1900 al presente-La Plaza Vieja continua como residencial y comercial activo. En el centro esta la iglesia San Felipe de Neri.
Marker is at the intersection of Romero Street NW and Old Town Road NW, on the left when traveling south on Romero Street NW.
Courtesy hmdb.org
