Franz Huning and others in the Huning Family and their roles in New Mexico History

Albuquerque Historical Society -Franz Huning and the Huning CastleOn July 21, 2013, at 2:00 pm B.G Burr will journey us back to early Albuquerque before and after the coming of the railroad. German merchants played a key role in preparing the NM territory for statehood by introducing Anglo goods and culture to the area. Prominent among these merchants were the Huning brothers, Franz, Louis, Henry and Carl. Arriving first around 1859, Franz and Carl immigrated to St. Louis via New Orleans, and from there on the Santa Fe Trail to Santa Fe, NM. After working for other German merchants, Franz established his own mercantile in Albuquerque. He made several trips on the Santa Fe Trail and was instrumental in bringing the railroad to Albuquerque.

Huning’s Highland Addition was the first residential subdivision in Albuquerque. The opulent “Huning Castle” sat at 15th & Central for decades before it was demolished in the 1950’s. Brothers Louis and Henry soon arrived and helped Franz expand the Huning business interests to Los Lunas, Zuni, Belen and eventually to Arizona.

Albuquerque Museum of Art & History-2000 Mountain NW, Old Town. Free parking South of Museum, Free admission