ALBUQUERQUE
Albuquerque is an authentic, high-spirited American legend located in the heart of
New Mexico. As one of the oldest cities in the
United States, Albuquerque’s heritage is rich and multicultural, boasting strong Native American, Hispanic and Latino influences.
The unrivalled character of Albuquerque has been molded by its long and enthralling history. It was founded in 1706 as a small Spanish settlement by a group of colonists who were granted permission by King Philip V of Spain to establish a new villa on the banks of the
Rio Grande. It was named in honor of
Spain's Duke of Alburquerque. Over the years, the first "r" in that name was dropped, leaving Albuquerque spelled as we know it today.
In 1880 the railroad arrived and the city flourished almost overnight. Today, Albuquerque remains a center of regional transportation.
Remember the song lyrics,
"If you ever plan to motor west, travel my way on the highway that's the best. Get your kicks on Route 66?"
Well, that historic (now decommissioned) highway, the "Main Street of America," still runs through parts of the city, and each year locals and visitors help celebrate that remarkable highway's impact on America's growth.
ADDITIONAL NEW MEXICO CITY PAGES:
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The American International Rattlesnake Museum, situated a block south of the Old Town Plaza, boasts the largest collection of different species of live rattlesnakes in the world.
- Albuquerque is a very affordable vacation destination in North America.
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The glowing brown sacks that embellish Albuquerque’s walkways, churches and homes each holiday season are called luminarias (paper bags lit from within by a candle). They date back more than 300 years to the first Spanish settlers.
Route 66, Albuquerque
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