Albuquerque, New Mexico. From 1880 to 1940. Why Did They Come? Many Came To Find a Cure for Tuberculosis. Chasing the Cure All the Way To Albuquerque. From 1880 through 1940, thousands flocked to New Mexico seeking a cure for tuberculosis. Tuberculosis was the leading cause of death in America. “Lungers”, as they were called, …