Five Things You Didn’t Know About Albuquerque, New Mexico

As the most populous city in New Mexico, Albuquerque is a very interesting place that is home to more than 545,000 residents. However, despite the large number of people living there, Albuquerque isn’t a place that most people spend much time thinking about — if at all. However, although this city may not be at the top of many people’s lists, it certainly should be. Albuquerque is a very interesting city full of awesome people and awesome places to go, and that certainly isn’t anything new. Albuquerque has a very cool history that dates back further than most people can imagine. Here are five things you didn’t know about Albuquerque New Mexico.

McDonald’s Coffee

If you were around during the early 90s, you may remember the infamous McDonald’s coffee spill in which a 79-year-old woman received third degree burns after accidentally spilling hot coffee into her lap. The incident quickly made headlines all over the country as the case, but what you may not have known is that this infamous spill actually took place at McDonald’s in Albuquerque.

image via eater.com

Albuquerque High School

Okay, so you’re probably wondering what on earth could possibly be special about Albuquerque High School. Well, little do you know, this is one school that’s got a whole lot of history. In fact, Albuquerque High School, which was founded in 1879, has been in existence since before New Mexico even became a state. Although the school is no longer in its original building, there are plans to renovate the Old Albuquerque High School location.

image via www.henrytrost.org

One of the highest metropolitan cities in the United States

When you think of cities with high elevation, Albuquerque might not be one of the first places that come to mind. After all, unless you’re some sort of geography guru, Denver is probably the only place you think of when you think of cities high in the sky. Well, although Denver is well-known for its high elevation, Albuquerque isn’t too far behind. The city is actually one of the highest metropolitan cities in the country with an elevation of 5,312 feet.

image via albuquerquecounseling.org

The Hot Air Balloon Capital of the World

Invented in the late 1700s, the hot air balloon has hundreds of years of experience carrying people through the sky. As the first mode of transportation to successfully allow humans to travel through the air, riding in a hot air balloon is certainly a pretty cool experience. With that being said, there’s no better place to go for a hot air balloon ride than Albuquerque New Mexico, also known as the Hot Air Balloon Capital of the World. Apparently, the weather in Albuquerque is perfect for hot air ballooning, especially “in the famous “Albuquerque Box” pattern.” According to Visit Albuquerque, “the wind blows predictably north at one elevation and south at another, allowing pilots to launch, fly a great distance, change altitude and backtrack to return close to the launch site.”

image via www.emaze.com

Pre-historic people

It goes without saying that every city has its own cool history, but there aren’t too many places with a history that goes as far back as Albuquerque. In fact, an area near Albuquerque, now known as Folsom Camp Site, was home to prehistoric people more than 10,000 years ago.

image via goodmenproject.com

lead image via realtyprosouthwest.com