New Mexico City Guide – Albuquerque

If you’re considering a trip to New Mexico, you’ve probably wondered which city is best to visit. Albuquerque is located in the west-central part of the state and was founded in 1706 by the Duke of Alburquerque, viceroy of New Spain. The city’s early growth was sparked by the Santa Fe Trail, which brought settlers into the area. In 1846, the US army built a post here. The arrival of Route 66 spurred further growth, and today, Albuquerque is home to some of the state’s most innovative high-tech industries.

Cabeza de Vaca’s reports of the rich gold deposits of the area prompted Spanish explorers to head north. In 1539, Franciscan missionary Marcos de Niza led an expedition to search for the Seven Golden Cities of Cibola. In 1540, his successor Francisco Vazquez de Coronado led an expedition that failed to find any treasure, but did conquer the area. The city was later renamed Santa Fe, and was established as the capital of the region.

For those who love natural landscapes, New Mexico has many national parks to visit. The Chaco Culture National Historical Park is located near the Navajo reservation. The Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument is located outside of Silver City. Besides its national parks, New Mexico is also home to a number of indigenous villages that continue to preserve their unique culture. The region is home to a vibrant art community, including D.H. Lawrence and Georgia Oeffe, among other notable artists.