Albuquerque: From Spanish Plaza to Route 66 Hub

Many visitors to Northern New Mexico first encounter the Land of Enchantment through Albuquerque. They land at the airport, pick up a rental car, and head north to Santa Fe without realizing that New Mexico's largest city has a fascinating story of its own—and plenty to reward a day or two of exploration.

Unlike Santa Fe, founded in 1610, Albuquerque is a comparatively young community. Established in 1706 as one of the Spanish colonial settlements of the Rio Abajo ("downriver") region, the town grew around a traditional Spanish plaza beside the Rio Grande. It was named for the Duke of Alburquerque, Viceroy of New Spain, although over time the first "r" disappeared from the spelling.

Today, visitors can still experience this early history in Albuquerque's charming Old Town, centered on a shady plaza and the historic San Felipe de Neri Church.

For nearly two centuries, Old Town was Albuquerque. Then, in 1880, the arrival of the railroad changed everything. The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway chose to build its depot and rail yards about two miles east of the original settlement. Almost overnight, a bustling "New Town" sprang up around the tracks, attracting merchants, hotels, businesses, and newcomers from across the country. The decision transformed Albuquerque into a transportation hub and set it on the path to becoming New Mexico's largest city.

Transportation would shape Albuquerque once again in the twentieth century. Historic U.S. Route 66 was rerouted through the city along Central Avenue in 1937, bringing a new wave of travelers. Neon signs, motor courts, diners, and roadside attractions flourished, many of which can still be seen along Central today.

Modern Albuquerque offers visitors an impressive variety of attractions. Explore the museums and galleries of Old Town, visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center to learn about the history and living traditions of New Mexico's Pueblo peoples, or spend an afternoon at the ABQ BioPark, which includes a zoo, aquarium, and beautiful botanic garden. Outdoor enthusiasts can stroll or bike the miles of trails through the cottonwood bosque along the Rio Grande, while spectacular views await atop the Sandia Peak Tramway.

Whether you're beginning or ending your New Mexico adventure, Albuquerque is far more than simply an arrival point. It is a city shaped by Spanish colonists, railroads, Route 66 travelers, and the enduring presence of the Rio Grande—a crossroads city well worth exploring in its own right.