First Car

J. L. Dodson, a resident of Albuquerque, was the first person in New Mexico to own a car. He brought it in from Denver, Colorado, which proved to be quite a feat. Before leaving Denver, he had to have gasoline shipped by train to various cities along his route so he could refuel along the way. There were no roads at this time, so he had to follow old wagon trails and quite often he found himself lost. Residents along the way were often reluctant to offer any assistance because his contraption scared horses and emitted a foul odor.

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Albuquerque's First Car
J. L. Dodson, a resident of Albuquerque, was the first person in New Mexico to own a car. He brought it in from Denver, Colorado, which proved to be quite a feat. Before leaving Denver, he had to have gasoline shipped by train to various cities along his route so he could refuel along the way. There were no roads at this time, so he had to follow old wagon trails and quite often he found himself lost. Residents along the way were often reluctant to offer any assistance because his contraption scared horses and emitted a foul odor. RETURN	With the advent of the car, roads were paved, and people began to take trips, such as these men, into the surrounding mountains (Photo courtesy of the Albuquerque Museum).