A little over 100 years ago, New Mexico was a territory rather than a state. So much has changed since then that it’s challenging to envision life here at the start of the 20th century. Fortunately, old photographs provide a glimpse back in history and help us to imagine what life might have been like in New Mexico 100 years ago.
- This shot shows Capulin Volcano during the year (1916) that it became a national monument.
Wikimedia Commons/Willis Thomas Lee
- The mesa upon which Acoma Pueblo sits, circa 1900.
Wikimedia Commons/George Wharton James
- This photo depicts the north side of Jemez Pueblo. Ladders like these ones were used to climb from one floor to the next.
Wikimedia Commons/Unknown
- Two women baking bread in a horno (outdoor oven) in Taos, in 1916.
Wikimedia Commons/Unknown
- A group of Laguna People thresh and winnow wheat at their pueblo, circa 1900
Wikimedia Commons/George Wharton James
- This is what Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Villanueva looked like in 1915. The church is still standing.
Wikimedia Commons/Unknown
- A church in Pena Blanca (located in Sandoval County) in 1915.
Wikimedia Commons/Carlos Vierra
- This panorama of Albuquerque was shot in 1915.
Library of Congress’s Prints and Photographs Division
- Radio technology has changed a lot since the radio tractor (picture from 1916). This mobile device was used by the Signal Corps for communications.
Wikimedia Commons/U.S. Army (Signal Corps)
- In 1902, this customs building was constructed in Columbus, serving as the only crossing point between New Mexico and Mexico. This photo is from 1915.
Wikimedia Commons/Unknown
- A train pulling into the station in Columbus in 1916.
Wikimedia Commons/United States Army Signal Corps
- The main street of Columbus looked peaceful.
Flickr/ABQ Museum Photoarchives
- However, on March 9th 1916, Pancho Villa crossed the border with a group of guerrilla fighters and attacked Columbus. They burned the town and killed 19 people. This is what the town looked like after the raid.
Flickr/ABQ Museum Photoarchives
- A bullet fired by one of Villa’s men hit the train depot clock, stopping it.
Flickr/ ABQ Museum Photoarchives
- Mexico reluctantly allowed General Pershing and 6000 troops to pursue Pancho Villa across the border. They were accompanied by the 1st Aero Squadron.
Wikimedia Commons/Air Service, United States Army This was the first and only U.S. air unit participating in combat before the start of WWI. This photo depicts the squadron’s buildings in Columbus.
Given the chance, would you travel back in time to experience New Mexico 100 years ago?
Wikimedia Commons/Willis Thomas Lee
Wikimedia Commons/George Wharton James
Wikimedia Commons/Unknown
Wikimedia Commons/Carlos Vierra
Library of Congress’s Prints and Photographs Division
Wikimedia Commons/U.S. Army (Signal Corps)
Wikimedia Commons/United States Army Signal Corps
Flickr/ABQ Museum Photoarchives
Flickr/ ABQ Museum Photoarchives
Wikimedia Commons/Air Service, United States Army
This was the first and only U.S. air unit participating in combat before the start of WWI. This photo depicts the squadron’s buildings in Columbus.
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