It is impossible to separate the history of Albuquerque from the history of New Mexico as a whole. New Mexico is a fairly young state, due to celebrate its 100th anniversary as part of the United States of America in 2012, yet it has been a nourishing heartland to Indian ancestors since at least 10,000 BC. The state capital of Santa Fe is the oldest capital in North America, settled by the Spanish in 1609–1610, a decade before the Mayflower brought the English pilgrims to land at Plymouth Rock. The area around Albuquerque has been home to the families of Spanish settlers since the same period, even before the city was formally founded in 1706. Since then, the flags of Spain, Mexico, the Confederate States, and the USA have flown here. This chapter focuses on the history of Albuquerque but also gives a brief overview of New Mexico’s history where relevant as a context for the city’s unique story.