National Register Listing

Santa Barbara School

a.k.a. APS Special Services Annex

1420 Edith Blvd., NE., Albuquerque, NM
Built as a two-room adobe circa 1908, the school building grew and changed as its community grew and as ideas of school architecture changed, particularly under the leadership of County School Superintendent Atanasio Montoya, who is credited with modernizing the Bernalillo County school system. Because the last major changes to the building took place in 1930 and because the older rooms have been preserved in something close to their original state, the building is an important record of the growth of the county schools. It is the only county school - out of at least twelve schools built before 1915 - remaining in the Albuquerque metropolitan area which displays the full architectural form common to most of these early schools. With very few exterior changes -- one replacement window, the installation of a barracks outbuilding, and the construction of a handicapped ramp -- the building served the Santa Barbara community and the county and city as a school and as a school service center until 1986 when it was vacated by the Albuquerque Public Schools. For over half of its life as a school, it was guided by Adolfo C. Gonzales, well-remembered as a caring and innovative principal, an enthusiastic athletic coach, and a community leader dedicated to improving local education who served on the University of New Mexico Board of Regents for twelve years.
Local significance of the building:
Education; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1989.

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.

education
Audiobooks about the history of New Mexico.
In 1945, the world's first atomic bomb was tested at the Trinity Site in New Mexico. The test was part of the Manhattan Project, a secret government program to develop nuclear weapons during World War II.
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.