Hodgin Hall
a.k.a. University Hall
University of New Mexico campus, Albuquerque Mountain, NMIn educational terms Hodgin Hall is important to New Mexico as the first public preparatory school building in the Territory as well as the first structure erected for the University of New Mexico. It symbolizes the dreams for the future of New Mexico citizens when the University was established in 1889, even before the Territory had a system of public high schools.
The architectural importance of the Hodgin remodeling in 1908 is unmistakable, for it inaugurated the Spanish-Pueblo Revival in New Mexico. Also known as the Santa Fe style, this movement represents the first awareness of and pride in the unique architectural heritage of this region. In a sense it parallels the development of the Taos and Santa Fe schools of painting and comparable literary movements. It is important to emphasize that this pioneer monument on the UNM campus precedes comparable landmarks in Santa Fe (the remodeled Palace of the Governors, 1909-11, and the Museum of New Mexico and the School for the Deaf, both 1915) by a substantial term.
In the forefront of this pioneer movement was William George Tight, third President of the University. Even before the remodeling of Hodgin Hall, he had built four modest campus buildings of puebloid design: the original Heating Plant (1905), the Estufa (1906), and two dormitories (1906). Further, he had stimulated student interest in regional architecture, and with their assistance he had erected a temporary, movie set type building in the Pueblo manner on the grounds of the Territorial Fair in 1908. Indeed, this structure seems to have been a mock-up of the remodeled Hodgin Hall. President Tight deserves recognition as the first New Mexican to envision the Spanish-Pueblo tradition as a fitting architectural expression for this region.
The documentation for Hodgin Hall is unusually complete for a New Mexican building. The original architect was Jesse Wheelock, who designed numerous buildings in Albuquerque and Las Vegas, few of which remain. The general contract for $26,196 was let to G. Palladino and Carlo Digneo, but Charles E. Lembke was also connected with the masonry work. Architect for the remodeling was Edward Buxton Christy, who might be called Albuquerque's first architect. Few of Christy's buildings remain, but the discovery that he collaborated with Tight, visiting and photographing pueblos with him, making the working drawings, and supervising the remodeling of Hodgin Hall, constitutes an important milestone in the early history of New Mexican architecture. A.W. Hayden was the contractor for the remodeling.
Local significance of the building:
The architectural importance of the Hodgin remodeling in 1908 is unmistakable, for it inaugurated the Spanish-Pueblo Revival in New Mexico. Also known as the Santa Fe style, this movement represents the first awareness of and pride in the unique architectural heritage of this region. In a sense it parallels the development of the Taos and Santa Fe schools of painting and comparable literary movements. It is important to emphasize that this pioneer monument on the UNM campus precedes comparable landmarks in Santa Fe (the remodeled Palace of the Governors, 1909-11, and the Museum of New Mexico and the School for the Deaf, both 1915) by a substantial term.
In the forefront of this pioneer movement was William George Tight, third President of the University. Even before the remodeling of Hodgin Hall, he had built four modest campus buildings of puebloid design: the original Heating Plant (1905), the Estufa (1906), and two dormitories (1906). Further, he had stimulated student interest in regional architecture, and with their assistance he had erected a temporary, movie set type building in the Pueblo manner on the grounds of the Territorial Fair in 1908. Indeed, this structure seems to have been a mock-up of the remodeled Hodgin Hall. President Tight deserves recognition as the first New Mexican to envision the Spanish-Pueblo tradition as a fitting architectural expression for this region.
The documentation for Hodgin Hall is unusually complete for a New Mexican building. The original architect was Jesse Wheelock, who designed numerous buildings in Albuquerque and Las Vegas, few of which remain. The general contract for $26,196 was let to G. Palladino and Carlo Digneo, but Charles E. Lembke was also connected with the masonry work. Architect for the remodeling was Edward Buxton Christy, who might be called Albuquerque's first architect. Few of Christy's buildings remain, but the discovery that he collaborated with Tight, visiting and photographing pueblos with him, making the working drawings, and supervising the remodeling of Hodgin Hall, constitutes an important milestone in the early history of New Mexican architecture. A.W. Hayden was the contractor for the remodeling.
Education; Hispanic; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
During World War II, New Mexico was the site of several top-secret military installations, including the Los Alamos National Laboratory, where the atomic bomb was developed. The laboratory is still one of the largest employers in the state and conducts research in fields such as nuclear energy and national security.
About Bernalillo County
Bernalillo County Timeline
Bernalillo County, located in the central part of the U.S. state of New Mexico, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Tiwa and Tanoan people, who lived off the land and established settlements along the Rio Grande.
In 1540, Spanish explorer Francisco Vásquez de Coronado led an expedition into what is now Bernalillo County. The Spanish established several missions and settlements in the region, including the Alameda Mission and the village of Alburquerque (later renamed Albuquerque). These early settlements laid the foundation for the region's future development.
During the 19th century, Bernalillo County experienced significant growth with the arrival of American pioneers and traders. The region became an important trading post along the historic Santa Fe Trail, further connecting it to the expanding western frontier. In 1851, Bernalillo County was officially established as one of the original nine counties in the newly formed New Mexico Territory.
Bernalillo County played a significant role during the Mexican-American War and the American Civil War. It served as a strategic location for both sides, as the Rio Grande acted as a natural barrier. The county saw battles, skirmishes, and military engagements, leaving a lasting impact on the region.
In the 20th century, Bernalillo County continued to grow and develop, becoming an important center for government, commerce, and culture in New Mexico. Today, the county is home to the vibrant city of Albuquerque, which is the state's largest city and the cultural, economic, and political hub of the region. Bernalillo County's rich history can be seen through its diverse architectural styles, cultural traditions, and landmarks that reflect the people who have called this area home throughout the centuries.
In 1540, Spanish explorer Francisco Vásquez de Coronado led an expedition into what is now Bernalillo County. The Spanish established several missions and settlements in the region, including the Alameda Mission and the village of Alburquerque (later renamed Albuquerque). These early settlements laid the foundation for the region's future development.
During the 19th century, Bernalillo County experienced significant growth with the arrival of American pioneers and traders. The region became an important trading post along the historic Santa Fe Trail, further connecting it to the expanding western frontier. In 1851, Bernalillo County was officially established as one of the original nine counties in the newly formed New Mexico Territory.
Bernalillo County played a significant role during the Mexican-American War and the American Civil War. It served as a strategic location for both sides, as the Rio Grande acted as a natural barrier. The county saw battles, skirmishes, and military engagements, leaving a lasting impact on the region.
In the 20th century, Bernalillo County continued to grow and develop, becoming an important center for government, commerce, and culture in New Mexico. Today, the county is home to the vibrant city of Albuquerque, which is the state's largest city and the cultural, economic, and political hub of the region. Bernalillo County's rich history can be seen through its diverse architectural styles, cultural traditions, and landmarks that reflect the people who have called this area home throughout the centuries.
Bernalillo County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Bernalillo County, New Mexico.
- 1692: Bernalillo County established as part of New Spain's Santa Ana Pueblo land grant.
- 1821: Mexico gains independence from Spain, and Bernalillo County becomes part of the Republic of Mexico.
- 1848: Bernalillo County is ceded to the United States as part of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, ending the Mexican-American War.
- 1852: Bernalillo County officially organized as a county within the New Mexico Territory.
- 1880: Completion of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway line through Bernalillo County stimulates growth and development in the region.
- 1902: The county seat is moved from Albuquerque to nearby Los Ranchos.
- 1930: The county seat is moved back to Albuquerque due to the city's rapid growth and importance.
- 1960s: Bernalillo County experiences significant population growth as a result of urbanization and suburban development.
- 2000s: Bernalillo County implements various initiatives to promote economic development, community engagement, and sustainable growth.