National Register Listing

Old Post Office

123 4th St., Albuquerque, NM
The Old Post Office building is important primarily for its architectural contribution to the historic core of Albuquerque's Central Business District. A handsome and finely-detailed building, it was constructed in an unusual style for Albuquerque, in 1908. Since then, it has been an important element of downtown life, and it remains one of the city's most attractive and interesting buildings. In heavy use by a number of federal agencies, the Old Post Office has seen some interior partitioning and remodeling, but could easily be restored.

The Old Post Office is the earliest of Albuquerque's federal buildings still standing. A 1908 city promotional pamphlet proudly notes that plans for a new Post Office building were approved since in 1907 Albuquerque went into the first post office class, having exceeded the $40,000 turnover required. The expected cost of the building was $100,000. A drawing of the proposed building in the pamphlet shows a simple 2-story structure with an extra story at the basement level. The only visible entrance is an elaborate arched doorway on the southeast corner crowned with a large ornamented pediment, resulting in a highly unbalanced facade. The present building is much more satisfying with its restrained details and welcoming symmetry.

The finished building, as is usually the case, cost much more than the projected figure; Twitchell's Leading Facts of New Mexican History (Vol. III, 1917) notes "a fine government Post Office Building erected at the cost of $200,000." Twitchell goes on to say that the building already "is not adequate for the purposes to which it is given over - post office, court, and other tenants - and the general government is expected soon to make provision for another and larger structure in keeping with the city's demands." (p. 10) Within the next 13 years, an addition was built to the 1908 building and the grander 1930 Federal Building was erected.

The supervising architect for the Old Post Office was James Knox Taylor and the contractor was Anders Anson, who went bankrupt due to changes in construction plans. We have been unable to learn more about Mr. Taylor; a request for information from the General Services Administration Historic Officer in Fort Worth has not yet been answered.

The Old Post Office is a fine reminder of the care and human scale with which government buildings were once built and a very important architectural element in the historic core of downtown Albuquerque.
Local significance of the building:
Politics/government; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
  A brief timeline of the history of the United States Postal Service (USPS)

  • 1775: The Second Continental Congress establishes the Constitutional Post to provide postal services in the thirteen American colonies. Benjamin Franklin is appointed as the first Postmaster General.

  • 1792: The Postal Service Act is passed, officially establishing the United States Postal Service as a federal agency. It sets the foundation for the organization and regulation of postal operations.

  • 1847: The introduction of prepaid adhesive postage stamps revolutionizes mail delivery, simplifying the process and promoting efficiency.

  • 1860: The Pony Express, a fast mail delivery service, is launched to transport mail between the eastern and western regions of the United States. It becomes famous for its daring riders and swift delivery.

  • 1863: Free city delivery is introduced, allowing mail to be delivered directly to urban households and businesses rather than being picked up from local post offices.

  • 1864: The Postal Money Order system is established, providing a secure way for people to send money through the mail.

  • 1896: Rural Free Delivery (RFD) is implemented, bringing mail delivery to rural areas for the first time. This service significantly improves communication and connects rural communities to the rest of the country.

  • 1971: The United States Postal Service is reorganized as an independent agency within the federal government, operating as the USPS. It is no longer directly controlled by the Postmaster General.

  • 1974: The USPS introduces the ZIP (Zone Improvement Plan) Code system, which assigns unique codes to geographic areas to improve mail sorting and delivery efficiency.

  • 1997: The USPS launches its website, usps.com, providing online access to postal services, tracking, and information.

  • 2001: Following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the USPS faces security challenges and undergoes significant changes to enhance mail screening and protection.

  • 2013: The USPS announces the end of Saturday mail delivery for regular letters and reduces delivery to five days a week.

  • Present: The USPS continues to be a vital service, handling billions of pieces of mail annually and adapting to changes in technology, communication, and the shipping industry. It plays a crucial role in connecting people, facilitating commerce, and serving as a backbone of the American communication infrastructure.

This timeline provides an overview of key milestones in the history of the USPS, which has played a crucial role in facilitating communication and connecting communities throughout the United States for over two centuries.

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.

politics government architecture post office
Audiobooks about the history of New Mexico.
New Mexico is known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant arts scene. The state hosts many festivals and events celebrating music, dance, and the arts, including the Santa Fe Opera and the Taos Pueblo Powwow.
New Mexico random facts
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 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.