It's one thing to know that New Mexico has changed over the years. However, you don't usually have the opportunity to see concrete examples of "then" and "now." We found both old and recent photos that show what is different and what has remained the same in the Land of Enchantment.
1. THEN: The mining town of Santa Rita del Cobre, located close to Silver City, in 1919.
NOW: The Santa Rita Mine, an open pit copper mine, swallowed the town. Nothing remains but this gaping hole. For more info.
2. THEN: The San Felipe de Neri Church in Albuquerque as it appeared in 1943.
NOW: While the church hasn't changed all that much, the area surrounding it has become much more developed.
3. THEN: The H. B. Ailman House in Silver City was being used by the local fire department in 1940, when this picture was taken.
NOW: This Victorian building houses the Silver City Museum.
4. THEN: This image shows Downtown Albuquerque in 1943. We know it depicts Central Avenue because, on the right of the image, is the old Combs Hotel - it once occupied 115-117 West Central Avenue.
NOW: Downtown Albuquerque remains busy and bustling today, even if the businesses have changed.
5. THEN: The Santa Fe Plaza in 1943.
NOW: It actually looks pretty similar today.
6. THEN: The New Mexico Military Institute in Roswell was so much smaller in 1904.
NOW: The institute has grown...
...And grown. It now contains a four-year high school and a two-year junior college.
7. THEN: This is what Clayton looked like in 1904.
NOW: Several of Clayton's historic buildings remain and it's almost recognizable.
8. THEN: This image of Taos Plaza was definitely taken after 1936, and it most likely dates from the early 1950s.
NOW: Cars may have changed but the rooflines are unaltered.
9. THEN: These are Star fighters from the 188th Fighter Squadron parked on Kirtland Airforce Base during the 1950s.
NOW: More than 23,000 people work on the base today. Plane technology has definitely advanced.
10: THEN: This shot provides an overview of the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railroad yard - and a little of Gallup itself - as it appeared in 1943.
NOW: Amtrak still offers passenger service through Gallup. This stop is the second busiest in New Mexico (after Albuquerque).
11. THEN: In 1943, a lot more of Elizabethtown, a mining community in Colfax County, was still standing. The town itself had pretty much died by 1917.
NOW: This ghost town lies crumbling and deserted.
Do any of these surprise you?
If you're interested in old pictures of New Mexico, you may enjoy our past article featuring images of our state from a century ago.
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