Local History

Maps

An array of geographic and map resources helps to tell the story of geographic, geologic, and cultural history in New Mexico and the Southwest.

Topographic (quadrangle) maps for New Mexico (including counties, notable sites and specific geographic areas) and neighboring states.  Topo map information and availability can be searched through the online catalog

Historic maps - issued by state and local governments, civic and tourist groups, these include maps of explorations, military departmental maps, and territorial maps

Street maps - produced by local government and commercial interests. Zone atlases for Albuquerque and Bernalillo County are also available.

Digital Sanborn Maps available online offer detailed, periodically updated information on Albuquerque (1891 - 1957) and other New Mexico communities.

Map Archives at Special Collections

Click on the title to access the finding aid or catalog record of the archive.

Albuquerque Street Maps - this is a boxed collection of uncataloged folded maps located near the primary map case.

Albuquerque Tourist Maps - this is a boxed collection of uncataloged folded maps located near the primary map case.

City Engineer's Office Collection - maps, plans and records relating to Albuquerque infrastructure projects.

Map Collection (Uncataloged) - a listing of maps not currently found in the library catalog, but available for viewing.

Maps, NM Flat Topographic - located in the map stand in West Reading Room.  Shelved alphabetically.

Maps, NM Rolled Topographic - please ask for assistance.

Maps, Uncatalogued New Mexico - located in the map case, drawer 9.

New Mexico Topographic Maps - this is a boxed collection of uncataloged folded maps.

New Mexico Tourist/Street Maps - this is a boxed collection of uncataloged folded maps.

Santa Fe Tourist/Street Maps - a boxed collection of uncataloged folded maps.

Smith & Cantelou Plat Archive - plats of Albuquerque/Bernalillo County from 1887 to 1948. "The plats of subdivisions and additions to the city of Albuquerque and Bernalillo County, contained in this volume, have been compiled from official data, and are true and correct copies of the original plats, filed in the Office of the County Clerk and Recorder of Bernalillo County, to the best of our knowledge and belief.  L.W. Contelou & Co."

Vertical Files

Vertical files are comprised of folder sets containing newspaper and magazine clippings, pamphlets, photographs, documents, event programs and related ephemera.  Files at the Special Collections Library are congregated in three topical areas:

• Albuquerque - covering currents in history, culture, education, government, growth and progress 
• Biography - including notable New Mexico individuals and families
• New Mexico - covering aspects of place, events, culture, government and heritage 

Although the files include material published from 1960-2000, content may cover a wider range of time and events.

Information on vertical file topics and availability can be found by a search of the library system's online catalog.

Vertical file folders and contents are available for in-house use only, and do not check out. A photocopier is on site and accessible for duplication needs.