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A little known fact about New Mexico is that the state was once underwater and that Albuquerque itself began as an island in the Rio Grande River. The first settlements of the city dates back to the 6th century when the ancient Puebloans built their adobe homes along the river's banks. The geographical make-up of the area was ideal for habitation with the river providing a major benefit that allowed a city to develop in the desert. During the mid 16th century, the Spanish arrived. A trading post was established just north of the present city. Historical documents record the settlement of the present site in 1706. While at his desk in Santa Fe, Francisco Cuervo y Valdes wrote a letter to the Viceroy of New Spain in Mexico City stating that on April 23rd 1706 he had established a villa along the Rio Grande, 60 miles to the south of Santa Fe. He named this city after the Viceroy, the Duke of Albuquerque. To this day, the city is nicknamed the Duke City in his honour. During the 18th and 19th centuries Albuquerque remained a trading centre linking with the rest of New Mexico. However with the arrival of the railroad in 1880, the city changed character and demographics. The city centre moved two miles to the west resulting in a new city growing around the new railway station. The Victorian homes of this area exhibit a completely different style of architecture to the Spanish influenced Old Town. |