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.