Shalit, Samuel, House
5209 4th St., NW, Albuquerque, NMSlightly less than fifty years old, the Samuel Shalit House is exceptionally significant in the state as an uncommonly well-crafted example of the English Cottage/Period Revival style. The house features a copper roof installed to resemble the rounded lines of a thatched roof and uniquely-textured brick. These are not found anywhere else in the city and probably not in the state since this style is rarely found outside Albuquerque. The English Cottage style, in startling contrast to the north valley's prevalent southwestern residential styles, was a foretaste of the large "imported" style houses which have been built in the valley during the last twenty years.
The house was built by local craftsman Ben Chavez and it was probably designed by Mr. Shalit. Shalit's career in Albuquerque was similar to that of other 20th-century immigrants who settled in New Mexico: he had come to Albuquerque in 1919, worked first as a cowboy and sheep herder, and later entered the clothing store business. Like many other Anglos, he began buying land in the north Valley during the depression of the 1930s. The property on which the house stands used to run west almost to Guadalupe Trail and Shalit raised sheep in the fields behind the house. He later subdivided the property into the Sunvale Addition in 1959.
After a playroom was added on the back in 1938, the house remained as it was built, all interior and exterior detailing intact and well-maintained.
Local significance of the building:
The house was built by local craftsman Ben Chavez and it was probably designed by Mr. Shalit. Shalit's career in Albuquerque was similar to that of other 20th-century immigrants who settled in New Mexico: he had come to Albuquerque in 1919, worked first as a cowboy and sheep herder, and later entered the clothing store business. Like many other Anglos, he began buying land in the north Valley during the depression of the 1930s. The property on which the house stands used to run west almost to Guadalupe Trail and Shalit raised sheep in the fields behind the house. He later subdivided the property into the Sunvale Addition in 1959.
After a playroom was added on the back in 1938, the house remained as it was built, all interior and exterior detailing intact and well-maintained.
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.
New Mexico is home to many important Native American sites and cultures, including the Taos Pueblo, Acoma Pueblo, and Navajo Nation. These tribes have lived in the region for thousands of years and have preserved their traditions and customs despite centuries of colonization and oppression.
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.