ABQPedia

28-square-mile area west of Los Lunas, home to more than 400 families. As the area was never subdivided and licensed for housing, the community is technically illegal and the residents of the area receive no services and live "off the grid", bringing in water and sometimes using generators for power. Although sometimes labeled as squatters many of the residents have purchased land and pay taxes; however, land use as a homesite may not be legally recognized by the county. The area, viewed by some outsiders as a "no man's land", is subject to widespread illegal dumping and often used as an informal shooting range.

30,000 mile road network beginning deep in South America, progressing through Central America and the United States and into Canada. In New Mexico, the Pan-American Highway includes US 85 and, because many portions of I-25 paralleled the route of US 85, portions of I-25. (In Albuquerque, that portion of the route is designated as the Pan-American Freeway.) Many portions of the Pan-American Highway, and the portions through New Mexico, are also part of the CanAm Highway connecting Canada with Mexico. Many maps, including online map sources, show the Pan-American Highway designation in addition to local names for those roads.

Participated in Pershing's Punitive Expedition against Pancho Villa. Visited Albuquerque in 1943.

"One of the largest petroglyph sites in North America, featuring designs and symbols carved onto volcanic rocks by Native Americans and Spanish settlers 400 to 700 years ago". 17-mile site along the escarpment of the West Mesa near Albuquerque. The Monument features a visitors center and several day use trails among the petroglyphs. Authorized into the National Park Service in 1990.

"The Albuquerque Poet Laureate Program (APLP) celebrates poetry by recognizing a resident poet who makes meaningful connections, honors and serves our diverse community, elevates the importance of the art form, and shares poetry with Albuquerque residents." Laureates serve in a two-year residency. Hakim Bellamy (2012-2014), Jessica Helen Lopez (2014-2016), Manuel Gonzalez (2016-2018), Michelle Otero (2018-2020), Mary Oishi (2020-2022), Anna C. Martinez (2022-).

(1902-1975) Thomas L. Popejoy. Native of Raton and a UNM alumnus, an athletic letterwinner who eventually became the first native New Mexican president of UNM. Taught and served in several administrative positions before becoming President in 1949. Integral in developing the UNM Medical Complex, the Center for Latin American Studies, and the South Athletic Complex including The Pit. Popejoy Hall named in his honor. The Tom L. Popejoy Society "recognizes philanthropic leaders whose cumulative giving over the course of their lifetimes exceeds $50,000".

Attended UNM. Prominent architect, with works around the world. Designed the La Luz Community in New Mexico, the UNM Law School Building, the Albuquerque Museum, the Rio Grande Nature Center, and the Spencer Theater for the Performing Arts in Alto near Ruidoso. In 1989 awarded the New Mexico Governor's Award for Excellence in the Arts.

Albuquerque native. Prominent architect, visiting instructor at UNM and other universities. Noted for distinctive, "otherworldly" homes around Albuquerque and New Mexico.

Astronaut candidates for NASA's Project Mercury program were given physiological testing at the Lovelace Medical Center beginning in February 1959. From these candidates the "Mercury 7" were chosen, who became America's first astronauts. William R. Lovelace also tested many female candidates, resulting in a list of finalists dubbed the "Mercury 13".

Original design concept for the University of New Mexico campus, intended to reflect the regional influences of Pueblo and Spanish Style rather than the Classical or Georgian styles seen on many Eastern campuses. While UNM's first building Hodgin Hall was built in the Romanesque style, subsequent buildings reflected the original vision and Hodgin Hall was remodeled to a Pueblo style. Not to be confused with the "Pueblo on the Mesa" that is Acoma Pueblo.

(1900-1945) Ernest Taylor Pyle. Journalist, best known for his combat coverage of WWII, during which service he was killed on an island near Okinawa. Winner of the Pulitzer Prize in 1944; he was very popular for his depictions of the average American soldier. Before the war, he gained a following for his down-home views on the world, including articles that spoke glowingly of the Southwest in general and Albuquerque in particular. The City of Albuquerque, as the result of a campaign led by Erna Fergusson, acquired his home which was made into the first ABCLS branch library in 1948. The Ernie Pyle Middle School in Albuquerque is named in his honor. Among his popular titles: Home Country and Here is Your War: story of G.I. Joe.