Federal Building
a.k.a. Old Courthouse Building
421 Gold Ave., SW, Albuquerque, NMThe 1930 Federal Building, the second still standing national government building to be built in Albuquerque, is the only downtown government structure which salutes the southwestern heritage. Its use of Indian designs as a decorative motif both on its exterior and interior restrainedly echo the Indian fantasies on the nearby Kimo Theater (National Register, 5-2-77), which was built just three years earlier. The building is significant for its architectural style, for its fine mural of the 1680 Pueblo Revolt, for its courtroom which is being restored, and for its notable contribution to the character of downtown Albuquerque.
According to the cornerstone, the supervising architect for the building was James A. Wetmore. Local inquiries have not uncovered more information about Mr. Wet more and a request for information from the General Services Administration Historic Officer has not yet been answered. The building has always been used for government offices; until 1966 it served as the federal courthouse, housing judicial offices, a law library, and the federal courtroom (now being restored).
Now used to house a number of federal agencies, the building forms a most distinguished part of the complex of four federal office buildings grouped on Gold Avenue between 4th and 5th Streets. Its handsome proportions and southwestern decorative motifs make it a particularly significant building in Albuquerque.
Local significance of the building:
According to the cornerstone, the supervising architect for the building was James A. Wetmore. Local inquiries have not uncovered more information about Mr. Wet more and a request for information from the General Services Administration Historic Officer has not yet been answered. The building has always been used for government offices; until 1966 it served as the federal courthouse, housing judicial offices, a law library, and the federal courtroom (now being restored).
Now used to house a number of federal agencies, the building forms a most distinguished part of the complex of four federal office buildings grouped on Gold Avenue between 4th and 5th Streets. Its handsome proportions and southwestern decorative motifs make it a particularly significant building in Albuquerque.
Politics/government; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
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.
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New Mexico was the birthplace of several famous figures in American history, including the outlaw Billy the Kid, the physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer, and the astronaut Harrison Schmitt, who was one of the last men to walk on the moon.
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 glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped 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.