Historical Markers in
Santa Fe County, New Mexico

Agua Fria (Note: never built--jurisdiction unresolved) Bandelier National Monument Battle of Puertocito de Pojoaque Bicentennial Celebration Cañoncito at Apache Canyon Cerrillos Cieneguilla Doña Teresa de Aguilera y Roche El Rancho de las Golondrinas on the Camino Real Española Valley Galisteo Basin Galisteo Pueblo Garden of the Gods Glorieta Pass Gold and Turquoise Golden Hyde Memorial State Park Iglesia De San Isidro Inez Bushner Gill (1918–1982) and Maralyn Budke (1936–2010) Jémez Mountains (1) Katherine Stinson Otero (1891-1977 La Bajada (1) La Bajada-the descent (2) Laura Gilpin (1891–1979) Madrid National Historic District Maria Gertrudis Barcelo, "Doña Tules" (ca. 1800–1852) Mary Cabot Wheelwright (1878−1958) and Amelia Elizabeth White (1878–1972) Mother Magdalen and the Sisters of Loretto Museum of Fine Arts Poeh Cultural Center Pueblo of Nambé Pueblo of Pojoaque Pueblo of San Ildefonso Pueblo of Tesuque Pueblo Revolt Tricentennial (4) Pueblo Revolt Tricentennial (5) Route 66 San Isidro Catholic Church Santa Cruz de la Cañada / Santa Cruz Plaza on the Camino Real Santa Fe on the Camino Real Santa Fe Opera, The Santuario de Guadalupe Seton Village Sisters of Charity Soledad Chávez Chacón (1892-1936) South End of the Rockies Southern Rockies St. Francis Women’s Club, Nambé Pueblo Tesuque Rain Gods Three Wise Women: Eva Scott Fenyes (1849–1930), Leonora Scott Muse Curtin (1879–1972), Leonora Curtin Paloheimo (1903–1999) Virginia Gutierrez (1941-2011)
New Mexico is home to many important Native American sites and cultures, including the Taos Pueblo, Acoma Pueblo, and Navajo Nation. These tribes have lived in the region for thousands of years and have preserved their traditions and customs despite centuries of colonization and oppression.
Santa Fe County, located in the heart of New Mexico, has a rich and diverse history that stretches back thousands of years. The area has evidence of human habitation dating back over 10,000 years, with various indigenous communities calling the region home. The Ancestral Puebloans, also known as the Anasazi, were some of the earliest inhabitants and left behind impressive cliff dwellings and rock art that can still be visited today.

In the 16th century, Spanish explorers arrived in the area, led by Francisco Vásquez de Coronado in search of the legendary Seven Cities of Gold. It was during this time that Santa Fe, which means "holy faith" in Spanish, was established as the capital of the Santa Fe de Nuevo México province, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the United States. The Spanish influence can still be seen in the adobe architecture and the blending of European and Native American culture.

During the 19th century, Santa Fe County and the surrounding area became an important frontier outpost of the United States. In 1846, as part of the Mexican-American War, the region was officially incorporated into the United States. This event led to the establishment of the Santa Fe Trail, a major trade route connecting Missouri to Santa Fe, which brought increased commerce and growth to the area.

In the early 20th century, Santa Fe County experienced a significant cultural and artistic boom. Artists and writers were drawn to the region for its natural beauty and unique cultural heritage. The city became a renowned art destination, attracting renowned painters such as Georgia O'Keeffe. Today, Santa Fe County continues to be a vibrant hub for arts, culture, and tourism, with its historic downtown, art galleries, and annual events like the Santa Fe Indian Market attracting visitors from around the world.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Santa Fe County, New Mexico.

  • Prehistoric Times: Ancient Pueblo People settled in the area thousands of years ago.
  • 16th Century: Spanish explorers, led by Francisco Vásquez de Coronado, arrived in the region.
  • 1610: Santa Fe was established as the capital of the Spanish territory of Santa Fe de Nuevo México.
  • 1821: Mexico gained independence from Spain, and Santa Fe became part of the Mexican Territory of Santa Fe.
  • 1846: The United States acquired Santa Fe and the rest of New Mexico as a result of the Mexican-American War.
  • 1912: New Mexico became the 47th state of the United States, with Santa Fe remaining its capital.
  • 20th Century: Santa Fe became known as an art and cultural center, attracting artists, writers, and tourists.