Designated Historic Sites Endorsed for the State Cultural Properties Registry
In a recent decision, the Cultural Properties Review Committee within the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs has approved the addition of two historic districts to the State Register of Cultural Properties. These districts are Fort Wingate near Gallup and Albuquerque's University Heights neighborhood.
Fort Wingate, outside Gallup, has a rich history. Established in 1851, it served as a military post and later transformed into a boarding school, operating from 1926 to 2009. The fort is fondly remembered by former Navajo students and tribal members, who wish to see it recognized as a historic site. In later years, Fort Wingate embraced Navajo cultural practices and taught the Navajo language.
The approved proposal expands the boundaries and adds documentation to the Fort Wingate Historic District, acknowledging its significance for its role as an Indian school. The fort was previously added to the National Register in 1978, but the listing concentrated on the small area of the fort.
The University Heights neighborhood, on the other hand, is one of the densest nominations that the New Mexico Historic Preservation Division has done in a long time, with about 1,000 houses listed in that district. This district retains traditional architectural styles from 1925 to the 1960s. The University Heights nomination was first initiated by students in the historic preservation program at the University of New Mexico.
History is part of the buildings and landscapes that people can see, serving as reminders of important historic events or architecture. Losing important places can lead to their eventual forgetting. Moffson, the state historic preservation officer, stated that history is an integral part of the built environment. He emphasized that these additions to the State Register are crucial for identifying and preserving historical sites like Fort Wingate, which are significant for their role in New Mexico's unique cultural heritage.
Being added to the state register offers benefits such as formal recognition as a historic property and potential tax credits for approved rehabilitations. These recognitions not only protect these historic sites but also encourage their restoration and preservation for future generations to appreciate.
In conclusion, the addition of Fort Wingate and University Heights to the State Register of Cultural Properties is a significant step towards preserving New Mexico's rich history and cultural heritage. These districts offer a glimpse into the past, providing valuable insights into the state's unique character and evolution over time.
In contrast to the University Heights neighborhood's dense nomination with a variety of traditional architectural styles from the 1920s to the 1960s, Fort Wingate near Gallup, historically serving as a military post and later a boarding school, has been expanded on the State Register following its approval. This expansion recognizes Fort Wingate's significance as an Indian school and its association with the unique cultural heritage of New Mexico. The news of these additions to the State Register of Cultural Properties reinforces the preservation of historic sites, offering benefits such as tax credits for approved rehabilitations and formal recognition as a historic property. Additionally, the lifestyle and home-and-garden aesthetics of the University Heights neighborhood represent a snapshot of New Mexico's architecture evolution throughout several decades.
