The Second Ward School, the first purpose-built schoolhouse in Santa Fe County, represents a significant development in bringing public education to the region. Constructed in 1886, during New Mexico’s Territorial period, the school was in Precinct #4 of the old county precinct arrangement, which was supplanted by a ward system in 1891. In 1932, the larger, modern Alvord School, located several blocks away, replaced the Second Ward School. In 1936, the Santa Fe Board of Education sold the property to La Union Protectiva, a fraternal organization that still owns and maintains the old school and leases it for commercial use.
From Old Santa Fe Today, 5th edition by Audra Bellmore with photographs by Simone Frances.