History of Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA

Oldest continuously inhabited state capital in the US.

Santa Fe, the capital and largest town of New Mexico, is situated on the Rio Chicito, or Santa Fe river, an affluent of the Rio Grande, from which it is distant about 20 miles in a direct line. Lat. 35° 41' N., Lon. about 106° 10' W. It is the great emporium of the over land trade which, since 1822, has been carried on with the State of Missouri. Each of the houses, which are principally built of dark-colored adobes, or unburnt brick, usually forms a square, with a court within, upon which nearly all the apartments open from the street. There is generally but one en trance, which is wide and high enough to admit animals with their packs. Much of the ground in and around Snnta Fe is extremely sandy ; and in dry weather, when the wind is high, this is a source of great annoyance. The place is well supplied with cool water from springs within its limits, and also from fountains above the city near the mountain side. Numerous azequias, or small canals, are led through the streets, and...

Santa Fé, the capital and largest town of New Mexico, is situated in a county of its own name, about 20 miles E, of the Rio Grande, near the W. base of a range of mountains. Lat. 35° 41' N.; Lon, about 106° 10' W. Its site is elevated 6840 feet above the level of the sea, and the climate is so dry that irrigation is necessary for agriculture. The houses are mostly built of adobes, or sun-dried bricks. Santa Fé contains a court-house, 2 national banks, a jail, 2 newspaper offices, 5 churches, and a convent. One daily newspaper is published here. It is a Roman Catholic archbishop's see. Copper and silver are found near this place. Pop. in 1880, 6635; in 1890, 6185.

There is probably no settlement within our domain over the history of which so much mystery has hovered as the capital of New Mexico. Some historical writers early claimed for the ancient city a reputation for antiquity exceeding that of St. Augustine, Florida; others were content to give it second place in point of age, and this position it really holds, not withstanding the strong but groundless belief, still somewhat prevalent, that Santa Fe had a teeming aboriginal population when the Spaniards under Coronado first made their appearance in New Mexico in 1540.

The actual founder of Santa Fe, so far as we can determine, was Juan de Onate, a wealthy resident of Zacatecas, who married Dona Isabel, granddaughter of Hernan Cortés, and great granddaughter of Montezuma, the Aztec chief. In the autumn of 1595 Onate was granted authority and viceregal support to raise an army and to explore and colonize New Mexico, but theintrigues of his rivals caused many delays and it was not until...

Santa Fe, the capital and second town in population of New Mexico, seat of justice of the county of its own name, about 20 miles E. of the Rio Grande and 40 miles W. of Las Vegas, on the Denver and Rio Grand and the Atchinson, Topeka and Santa Fe Rs... The city, which occupies a site nearly 7000 feet in elevation is, after St. Augustine Fla., the oldest town in the Unite States, dating from near the beginning of the seventeenth century, when the Spaniards settled here. It is of a quaint aspect, with Mexican and Spanish characteristics, - narrow streets, a central plaza, and adobe houses. Of the older buildings may be mentioned the governor's palace, old Fort March, the cathedral of San Francisco, and the church of San Miguel. Among the modern buildings and institutions are the capitol, federal building, penitentiary, territorial orphan asylum, Indian schools, museum of the New Mexico Historical Society, San Miguel College, and Loretto Academy. Santa Fe is largely engaged in...

Santa Fe Plaza: Start your visit at the historic Santa Fe Plaza, the heart of the city. It's surrounded by shops, galleries, and restaurants, and hosts numerous events and markets throughout the year. The Plaza is a great place to get a feel for the city's vibrant atmosphere.

Canyon Road: Known as one of the most famous art districts in the country, Canyon Road boasts over 100 galleries, making it a must-visit for art lovers. Stroll down this picturesque street and admire a wide range of artwork, from contemporary to traditional.

Georgia O'Keeffe Museum: Discover the works of the iconic American artist Georgia O'Keeffe, who found her inspiration in the New Mexico landscape. The museum houses a vast collection of her paintings, drawings, and sculptures.

Loretto Chapel: Visit this enchanting chapel known for its mysterious spiral staircase. The staircase is a masterpiece of carpentry, with no visible means of support. It's a fascinating piece of architecture and...