Lucero y Montoya, Francisco, House
a.k.a. Casa de la Torre
9742 4th St., NW, Albuquerque, NMThe Francisco Lucero y Montoya House is an anomaly in the North Valley; its Anglo-style steeply pitched roofs and half-timbered gables rising from a solid terron first story are unlike any other building in the city. Known in Alameda as the "Casa de la Torre" for its towered entry porch, it is state significant as a rare architectural hybrid.
The early history of the house is unclear. It is said to have been built by Antonio Carlos Lucero y Montoya, presumably Francisco Lucero y Montoya's father, for his bride, an East Coast girl who disliked "mud huts." No confirmation of this story has been discovered. The house was burned down twice and perhaps the second rebuilding is the construction project remembered by a local resident who reported that her father helped build the second story in 1912-13. Francisco Lucero y Montoya does appear on the census of Alameda in 1900 and 1910 as a farmer. He probably needed the second story to house his family, which in 1910 included a niece and two nephews as well as his own four children. The style of the second story suggests its design was influenced by the generously-scaled Tudor Revival buildings which were being built during this period in Albuquerque's wealthy Fourth Ward District. During the Depression it was used as a food distribution and community center. In the 1960's it was used as an office for a car wrecking yard until it was bought and the first floor restored as offices by the present owner.
Local significance of the building:
The early history of the house is unclear. It is said to have been built by Antonio Carlos Lucero y Montoya, presumably Francisco Lucero y Montoya's father, for his bride, an East Coast girl who disliked "mud huts." No confirmation of this story has been discovered. The house was burned down twice and perhaps the second rebuilding is the construction project remembered by a local resident who reported that her father helped build the second story in 1912-13. Francisco Lucero y Montoya does appear on the census of Alameda in 1900 and 1910 as a farmer. He probably needed the second story to house his family, which in 1910 included a niece and two nephews as well as his own four children. The style of the second story suggests its design was influenced by the generously-scaled Tudor Revival buildings which were being built during this period in Albuquerque's wealthy Fourth Ward District. During the Depression it was used as a food distribution and community center. In the 1960's it was used as an office for a car wrecking yard until it was bought and the first floor restored as offices by the present owner.
Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1984.
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 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.