La Mesa Motel
7407 Central Ave. NE., Albuquerque, NMThe Mesa Motel is one of the best examples of a largely unaltered pre-World War II tourist court remaining along Route 66 in New Mexico. The motel was built in 1938, within a year of the realignment of Route 66 along Central Avenue, and at the time was one of the easternmost motels along the East Central Avenue commercial strip. Other motels would soon appear in this area, profiting not only from the traffic along the highway but from visitors attending the New Mexico State Fair, located less than a half mile to the west.
Because of this close association with tourism along Route 66, the property is eligible under Criterion A. The property also qualifies under Criterion c for the way in which its setting, location, design and materials reflect early tourist court construction in New Mexico. In particular, the spatial arrangement of the complex with its long linear plan and its use of several Pueblo Revival Style details to evoke a southwestern imagery enhance the significance of the property.
Local significance of the building:
Because of this close association with tourism along Route 66, the property is eligible under Criterion A. The property also qualifies under Criterion c for the way in which its setting, location, design and materials reflect early tourist court construction in New Mexico. In particular, the spatial arrangement of the complex with its long linear plan and its use of several Pueblo Revival Style details to evoke a southwestern imagery enhance the significance of the property.
Architecture; Transportation
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1993.
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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The state has a diverse population, with a significant number of Hispanic, Native American, and Anglo residents. The Spanish language and Hispanic culture have had a profound impact on the state's history and traditions.
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.