Crossroads at Martineztown / Cruce en Martineztown

Historical marker location:
intersection of Edith and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue , Albuquerque, New Mexico
( located at Martineztown Park and Longfellow School)

SIDE 1
Martineztown is at the crossroads of El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro and Tijeras Canyon Trail, two important trade routes begun by Native Americans. The trail though Tijeras Canyon linked the Rio Grande Valley to the plains east of the Sandia Mountains, while the Camino Real primarily followed the river and became the Spanish trade route that brought European culture here beginning in 1598. Edith Boulevard follows the Camino Real and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue, the Tijeras Canyon Trail. Today’s Martineztown was a paraje, a stopping off point for travelers on both trails, and still is a place where community, commerce, and culture come together.
SIDE 2
Martineztown se encuentra al cruce del Camino Real de Tierra Adentro y la Senda del Cañón de Tijeras, dos rutas comerciales importantes comenzadas por Americanos Nativos. La senda a través del Cañón de Tijeras conectaba el Valle del Río Grande a los llanos al este de las Montañas de Sandía, mientras el Camino Real primordialmente seguía el río y se convirtió en la ruta Española de comercio que trajo aquí la cultura europea, a partir de 1598. Edith Boulevard sigue el Camino Real, mientras que la Avenida Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. sigue la Senda del Cañón de Tijeras. La actual Martineztown fue un paraje, un punto de parada para viajeros de ambos senderos y sigue siendo un lugar donde la comunidad, el comercio y la cultura se unen

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In 1945, the world's first atomic bomb was tested at the Trinity Site in New Mexico. The test was part of the Manhattan Project, a secret government program to develop nuclear weapons during World War II.
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 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.