The focal point of community life since it was founded in 1706 by Governor Francisco Cuervo y Valdez. Centered around the plaza, Albuquerque’s Old Town encompasses about ten blocks of historic adobe buildings. On the north side of the plaza is the San Felipe de Neri Church, the oldest building in the city, which was built in 1793. Surrounding the church, the city’s settlers had built their homes, shops and government offices, many of which have since been converted into the restaurants, art galleries and shops that comprise Old Town today. (from https://albuquerqueoldtown.com)
Bleuher’s Ranch, Albuquerque, New Mexico, ca. 1880 Image credit: Center for Southwest Research, University Libraries, University of New MexicoView of Old Town Plaza in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in the early 1900’s or late 1800’s. On the right is the porch (with fancy trim) of the Armijo home (La Placita), in the middle (through the trees) is the Bleuher home, and on the left is the San Felipe rectory. ca. 1900 Image credit: Center for Southwest Research, University Libraries, University of New MexicoWest side of Old Town plaza in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Pictured are the New Mexico News Co., a hardware store, and several horse drawn carriages. ca 1880 Image credit: Center for Southwest Research, University Libraries, University of New MexicoPhotograph shows an obstructed view of San Felipe de Neri Church (Albuquerque, N.M.). Only the twin bell towers and crucifix are visible behind a group of buildings. In the foreground, a road, simple fence, and some trees are visible. Caption on back reads “San Felipe Church, Albu NM.” taken in 1941. Image credit: Center for Southwest Research, University Libraries, University of New MexicoA. Allesandri, one of the earliest Italian immigrant businessmen in Albuquerque, operated the Porto Rico Saloon and Grocery in Old Town. Taken in 1898. Image credit: Center for Southwest Research, University Libraries, University of New MexicoThe Cristobal Armijo home in Old Town, Albuquerque, New Mexico. Cristobal Armijo was a half brother of Gen. Manuel Armijo, the last Governor of New Mexico under Mexican Rule. Later the residence of Albuquerque Major Daniel Rucker. Rucker’s daughter, Ann Rucker, married Gen. Phil H. Sheridan. Photo taken in 1899. Image credit: Center for Southwest Research, University Libraries, University of New Mexico.Porto Rico Saloon and Grocery, ca. 1899. Alessandro Matteucci (center, wearing an apron) first worked as a clerk for his uncle at the Porto Rico Saloon and Grocery when he came to Albuquerque in 1899, and later assumed control of the business. Image credit: Center for Southwest Research, University Libraries, University of New Mexico Exterior of the San Felipe Church in Old Town, Albuquerque, N.M., ca. 1881. Image credit: Center for Southwest Research, University Libraries, University of New Mexico.“Street in Old Town, Albuquerque, New Mexico”. Photo taken between 1880 and 1890. Image credit: Center for Southwest Research, University Libraries, University of New Mexico.Cathedral in Old Town Albuquerque, New Mexico. Image taken between 1878 – 1898. Image credit: Center for Southwest Research, University Libraries, University of New Mexico. Bridge across the Rio Grande at Old Town (built 1881); pedestrians, horsemen, and wagons atop bridge; at left, a cow. Image credit: Center for Southwest Research, University Libraries, University of New Mexico.Bernalillo County Courthouse (built in 1886) in Old Town, Albuquerque, New Mexico. Photo taken in 1916. Image credit: Center for Southwest Research, University Libraries, University of New Mexico.Stereographic pictures of Railroad Ave. (now Central Ave.) in Albuquerque, N.M., west of Rio Grande Boulevard in Old Town, looking north. This picture was taken prior to 1876, when the Spiegelberg Store on the west side of the street was sold to Albert Grunsfeld and renamed Grunsfeld and Sons. The two story building to the north of the Spiegelberg Store was occupied by the Santa Fe Railroad. Image credit: Center for Southwest Research, University Libraries, University of New Mexico.Stereographic images of a street in Old Town, Albuquerque, N.M. circa 1880’s, looking west. Businesses shown include a grocery and crockery shop, the Central Bank, and a harness shop. A covered wagon can be seen going east down the street. Image credit: Center for Southwest Research, University Libraries, University of New Mexico.Card mounted photo of a business street in Old Town, Albuquerque, N.M., in 1899, showing adobe buildings lining the street and the Gribera Restaurant. Image credit: Center for Southwest Research, University Libraries, University of New Mexico.“Street in Old Albuquerque,” showing adobe buildings; in background, sign across street reads “G. Ribera Groceries, Dry Goods, Grass, Hay.” Sign above building at right: “Resaurant, native wine” taken in 1890. Image credit: Center for Southwest Research, University Libraries, University of New MexicoOld Town Albuquerque plaza view looking northwest. A picket fence surrounds the plaza, in the center of which is an octangonal building occupied by the town barber and dentist. The 120 foot tall flagpole, reportedlt the tallest west of the Mississippi River at the time, was built in the 1860s by the U.S. Army. San Felipe de Neri church is visible in the background. Taken in 1863. Image credit: Center for Southwest Research, University Libraries, University of New Mexico.Exterior view of San Felipe de Neri Church in Albuquerque, N.M. In addition to the church, the street, a garden, and surroundings are visible. Caption on back reads “Mexican Cathedral with Old town of Albuquerque NW on the Rio Grande.” Photo taken between 1890s-1910s. Image credit: Center for Southwest Research, University Libraries, University of New Mexico.The Matteuci Store in Old Town in 1910. Image credit: Center for Southwest Research, University Libraries, University of New Mexico.View of Albuquerque’s Old Town from the top of the courthouse. Taken in 1890. Image credit: Center for Southwest Research, University Libraries, University of New Mexico.Unknown street in Old Town, 1878-1898. Image credit: Center for Southwest Research, University Libraries, University of New Mexico.Old Town street scene looking west, Albuquerque, New Mexico taken between 1878 – 1898. Image credit: Center for Southwest Research, University Libraries, University of New Mexico.Romero St. in Old Town, Albuquerque, showing Post Office and meat market on left side, convent at right; groups of men and horses at street’s edge. Photo taken between 1880-1889. Image credit: Center for Southwest Research, University Libraries, University of New Mexico.Trolley on the tracks going down Railroad Avenue in Old Town, Albuquerque, N.M. Taken between 1880-1885. Image credit: Center for Southwest Research, University Libraries, University of New Mexico.San Felipe de Neri Church, Old Town Plaza, Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1880. Image credit: Center for Southwest Research, University Libraries, University of New Mexico.San Felipe de Neri Church, Old Town Plaza, Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1881. Image credit: Center for Southwest Research, University Libraries, University of New Mexico.San Felipe de Neri Catholic Church, Sister Blandina Convent, Old Town, Albuquerque in 1891. Image credit: The Albuquerque Museum.Street scene in Old Town, Albuquerque, New Mexico taken between 1878 – 1898. Image credit: Center for Southwest Research, University Libraries, University of New Mexico.PHOTO SHOWS A NUMBER OF CHILDREN LOUNGING OUTSIDE THE SQUARE DEAL STORE(MEATS AND GROCERIES) IN OLD TOWN. THE STORE WAS ALSO THE HOME OF THE OLD ALBUQUERQUE POST OFFICE. SEVERAL UNIDENTIFIED BUILDINGS CAN BE SEEN TO THE LEFT OF THE STORE. TAKEN IN 1915. Image credit: Center for Southwest Research, University Libraries, University of New Mexico.Image credit the Library of Congress.La Placita in 1940. Image credit the Library of Congress.La Placita in 1940. Image credit the Library of Congress.South Plaza Street in 1940. Image credit the Library of Congress.Image credit the Library of Congress.
