Albuquerque

Largest city of New Mexico, USA, situated east of the Rio Grande, in the Pueblo district; seat of Bernalillo County; population (2000 est) 448,600. Albuquerque is a resort and industrial centre specializing in electronic products and aerospace equipment, and is a centre for livestock rearing.

History
Anasazi peoples were in the area from the 12th to 14th centuries. The first European explorer was Francisco Vasques do Coronado in 1540. Founded in 1706 by Francisco Cuero y Valdez, it was named after the viceroy of New Spain, Afonso de Albuquerque. It was incorporated in 1895 and made a city in 1899.

In the 19th century Albuquerque grew quickly as a station on the Chihuahua Trail from Santa Fe to Mexico City. After the Mexican War (1846–1848) it was annexed as part of the USA, and remained an important military post until 1870. In 1862, during the American Civil War, Albuquerque was briefly occupied by the Confederate army. In 1880 a new town was built nearby to join the Santa Fe railroad, and this gradually merged with the old town.