Chavez, Juan de Dios, House

205 Griegos Rd., NW, Albuquerque, NM
The Juan de Dios Chavez House is a fine local example of the traditional L-shaped Territorial style of which only five still stand in the city. Although the windows have been recently replaced with modern reproductions of Territorial style windows, the overall house plan has remained intact and is in excellent condition.

Since at least the turn of the century the house has been the home of the Juan de Dios Chavez family, a branch of a north valley family which has lived in the area since the late x 1700's. Juan de Dios was one of the ten children of Jose de la Luz Chavez, a farmer who served as a legislator from Bernalillo County in 1892. Many descendants of Jose de la Luz still live in the north valley.

The house stands on part of a large property purchased by Juan Cristobal Armijo sometime before 1880 on which Armijo built his "New Homestead" (NR-9/30/82). Since there is no record of Armijo's purchase, we have no written confirmation that the Chavez House was standing at the time Armijo bought the property. Given its linear form and few openings, which are characteristic of mid-19th-century New Mexican houses, it probably pre-dates the Armijo home. After Armijo's death and the death of his wife the property was divided among his children, and then gradually bought up by his son-in-law Tomas Gutierrez. Tomas 1 wife, Leonor Zamora, inherited the entire property in x !909. Leonor's sister, Juanita Zamora, was the wife of Jose de la Luz Chavez and it is undoubtedly through this connection that Chavez's son Juan de Dios came to live in the small old house located near the New Homestead. Leonor left the house and its adjoining property to Juan de Dios with the stipulation that he care for her in her old "age. After his death the house was left to his several children; it still belongs to his youngest daughter.
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1984.

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.

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New Mexico has a rich artistic heritage, with many famous artists and writers making their home in the state. These include Georgia O'Keeffe, who lived and painted in the town of Abiquiú, and D.H. Lawrence, who wrote his classic novel "Lady Chatterley's Lover" while living in Taos.
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.