Historical Marker

Santa Cruz de la Cañada / Santa Cruz Plaza on the Camino Real

Historical marker location:
NM Highway 53, Santa Cruz de la Cañada, New Mexico
( in town near the Catholic Church)

Side 1
In 1695, Governor Diego de Vargas founded his first town, Santa Cruz de la Cañada, designed to protect the Spanish frontier north of Santa Fe. The church, which still stands, was constructed in the 1730’s. In 1837, residents revolted against Mexican authorities, resulting in the death of Governor Albino Perez.
Side 2
In 1695, Governor Diego de Vargas founded Santa Cruz de la Cañada south of the Santa Cruz River. The town was later moved to this site north of the river. The church facing the Plaza dates from the 1730’s. Santa Cruz was an important stop on the Camino Real between Santa Fe and Taos

New Mexico was one of the last territories to become a state, gaining statehood in 1912. Before that, it had been part of the Spanish Empire, Mexico, and the United States Territory of New Mexico.
New Mexico random facts
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 condensed summary of the historical journey 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.