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National Register of Historic Places listings in Bernalillo County, New Mexico facts for kids

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Map of New Mexico highlighting Bernalillo County
Location of Bernalillo County in New Mexico

This page lists amazing and important places in Bernalillo County, New Mexico, that are part of the National Register of Historic Places. This special list helps protect buildings, sites, and objects that are important to American history and culture. Think of it as a Hall of Fame for historic places!

Bernalillo County has 156 places on this list. One of them is even a National Historic Landmark, which is a super important designation! Let's explore some of these cool spots.

What is the National Register of Historic Places?

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the United States' historic places. It is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America's historic and archaeological resources. When a place is added to the Register, it gets special recognition. It also means it might get help for preservation. This helps make sure these places last for future generations to enjoy.

Exploring Albuquerque's Historic Buildings

Many of Bernalillo County's historic places are in the city of Albuquerque, New Mexico. These buildings tell stories about how the city grew and changed over time.

Old Albuquerque Municipal Airport Building

Old Albuquerque Municipal Airport Building, Albuquerque NM
The historic Old Albuquerque Municipal Airport Building.

The Old Albuquerque Municipal Airport Building was listed on the National Register in 1989. It is located at 2920 Yale Boulevard, SE. This building reminds us of the early days of flying. It shows how air travel became important in New Mexico.

Albuquerque Veterans Administration Medical Center

Albuquerque Veterans Administration Medical Center Building 1, Albuquerque NM
Building 1 at the Albuquerque Veterans Administration Medical Center.

This medical center, located at 2100 Ridgecrest, SE, was added to the list in 1983. It is a historic district, meaning a group of buildings. It has served veterans for many years. It represents the care and support given to those who served our country.

KiMo Theater

KiMo Albuquerque
The beautiful KiMo Theater in downtown Albuquerque.

The KiMo Theater, at 421 Central Avenue, is a famous landmark. It was listed in 1977. This theater is known for its unique Pueblo Deco style. It mixes Native American and Art Deco designs. It has been a place for movies and shows for a long time.

Santa Fe Railway Shops

Machine Shop Albuquerque
A large building at the Santa Fe Railway Shops.

The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway Locomotive Shops were added in 2014. They are located near the BNSF Railroad and 1st and 2nd Streets. These shops were once a very busy place. Workers built and repaired trains here. It shows the importance of railroads in New Mexico's history.

Historic Motels on Route 66

Aztec Motel sign
The iconic sign of the Aztec Auto Court.
De Anza Motor Lodge, Albuquerque NM
The colorful De Anza Motor Lodge.
El Vado Auto Court
The historic El Vado Auto Court.
La Puerta Lodge, Albuquerque NM
La Puerta Lodge, a classic Route 66 motel.
Nob Hill Motel, formerly Modern Auto Court, Albuquerque NM
The Nob Hill Motel, once known as the Modern Auto Court.

Several old motels along Central Avenue are listed. These include the Aztec Auto Court (1993), De Anza Motor Lodge (2004), El Vado Auto Court (1993), La Mesa Motel (1993), La Puerta Lodge (1998), Modern Auto Court (1993), Luna Lodge (1998), and Tewa Lodge (1998). These motels were popular stops for travelers on the famous U.S. Route 66. They show the fun and adventure of road trips in the past. Some of them have been demolished or changed, but their history remains.

University of New Mexico Buildings

Unm hodginhall
Hodgin Hall, a historic building at the University of New Mexico.

The University of New Mexico campus has several historic buildings. Hodgin Hall (1978) is one of them. The Art Annex (1988), Carlisle Gymnasium (1988), Estufa (1988), President's House (1988), Sara Raynolds Hall (1988), Scholes Hall (1988), and Zimmerman Library (2016) are also listed. These buildings show the growth of education in New Mexico. They also show unique architectural styles.

Important Cultural Sites

Bernalillo County is also home to places important for their cultural history.

Isleta Pueblo

House at Isleta Pueblo
A traditional house at Isleta Pueblo.

The Pueblo of Isleta was listed in 1975. It is located along U.S. Route 85. This site is very important to the Isleta people. It shows their long history and traditions. It is a living cultural site.

Petroglyph National Monument

Petroglyph National Monument visitor center entrance sign
The entrance sign to Petroglyph National Monument.

Petroglyph National Monument, listed in 1990, is at 6001 Unser Boulevard, NW. This monument protects one of the largest petroglyph sites in North America. Petroglyphs are images carved into rock. They were made by Native Americans and early Spanish settlers. They tell stories and share beliefs from long ago.

Tijeras Pueblo Archeological Site

Tijeras Pueblo Archeological Site, Tijeras NM
The ruins of Tijeras Pueblo.

The Tijeras Pueblo Archeological Site was added in 2005. It is south of central Tijeras. This site is an ancient pueblo. It gives us clues about how people lived in this area hundreds of years ago. Archaeologists study these sites to learn about the past.

San Felipe de Neri Church

San Felipe de Neri Church Albuquerque
The historic San Felipe de Neri Church in Old Town.

The San Felipe de Neri Church, located in Old Town Plaza, NW, was listed in 1969. This church is one of the oldest buildings in Albuquerque. It has been a center of community life for centuries. Its beautiful architecture and long history make it a special place.

Homes and Neighborhoods with History

Many historic homes and neighborhoods in Bernalillo County are also on the list. These places show different styles of homes and how communities developed.

Huning Highlands Historic District

Highland Park, Albuquerque NM
Highland Park, part of the Huning Highlands Historic District.

The Huning Highlands Historic District was listed in 1978. It is bounded by Grand Avenue, Interstate 25, Iron Avenue, and the former Santa Fe railroad line. This neighborhood has many beautiful old homes. They show the architectural styles popular in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Walking through it feels like stepping back in time.

Ernie Pyle House/Library

Ernie Pyle Library Albuquerque New Mexico
The Ernie Pyle House, now a library.

The Ernie Pyle House, at 900 Girard Boulevard, SE, became a National Historic Landmark in 1997. Ernie Pyle was a famous journalist during World War II. He wrote about the lives of soldiers. His home is now a library and a tribute to his work.

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