National Register Listing

Old Armijo School

1021 Isleta Blvd., SE, Albuquerque, NM
Old Armijo School's significance is tied in large part to the fact that it is the sole remaining example of the work of Atanasio Montoya, the educational reformer who almost single-handedly brought Albuquerque's rural schools into the twentieth century. When it was built in 1914, the school was described by the Albuquerque Journal as "modern in every particular, well ventilated, well lighted, and equipped in accordance with the very latest and most approved ideas." The old Armijo School was originally known as the Ranchos de Atrisco District 4 School and was the second of Montoya's constructions as Superintendent of Bernalillo County's schools in the period just before the First World War. Atanasio Montoya appears to have been a remarkable man who saw the need for reform in rural education. He designed old Armijo himself, as he did all the county's new schools of this period, and supervised its construction. As superintendent, he hired improved teachers and developed a progressive program and philosophy within the schools. Through his initiative, the city's outlying school system became established in the modern sense, and the old Armijo School stands today as one of the only reminders of that of progress.
Local significance of the building:
Education; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1982.

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.

education architecture
New Mexico has been inhabited by various indigenous groups for thousands of years, including the Puebloan peoples who built elaborate cliff dwellings such as those found at the Bandelier National Monument.
New Mexico random facts
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.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey 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.