National Register Listing

National Park Service Southwest Regional Office

a.k.a. National Park Service Region III Headquarters

Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe, NM
This building is believed to be the largest all-adobe office building in the United States. Including the central patio, which is ninety-five feet long and seventy feet wide, the building covers more than an acre of land/ and follows generally the designs of 17th century Spanish Colonial missions. The two-story portion corresponds to the configuration of the mission chapels, while the patio offices correspond to the old conventos. It is an excellent example of the revival phase of historical architecture in New Mexico, and was important in helping to reawaken interest in early New Mexican history and design. When the building opened in 1939 it stood as a tribute to the group of New Mexico youths of Spanish-American ancestry and tradition who were largely responsible for its completion. Working as a company of the Civilian Conservation Corps, the boys, with no previous experience in building construction, took active parts in every phase of the work. They helped prepare the site, and then from the excavated soil they moulded approximately 280,000 adobe bricks for the walls. The handmade furniture and tin lighting fixtures were fashioned by local craftsmen. The painting on the lobby wall of Stephen T. Mather, first director of the Park Service, was done by a local artist who, like the others who worked on the building and its fixtures, was paid from emergency relief funds during the depression years.
Local significance of the building:
Landscape Architecture; Politics/government; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1970.
  A brief timeline of the history of the National Parks

  • 1872: Yellowstone National Park is established as the first national park in the United States and widely recognized as the first national park in the world.

  • 1890: Yosemite National Park is established in California, protecting its iconic landscapes and natural wonders.

  • 1916: The National Park Service (NPS) is created as a federal agency responsible for managing and preserving national parks. Stephen Mather becomes the first director of the NPS.

  • 1919: Grand Canyon National Park is established in Arizona, safeguarding its immense and awe-inspiring canyon.

  • 1926: Great Smoky Mountains National Park is established, becoming the most visited national park in the United States.

  • 1933: President Franklin D. Roosevelt establishes the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) as part of his New Deal program. The CCC plays a crucial role in the development and conservation of national parks, employing thousands of young men in projects such as trail construction, reforestation, and infrastructure improvements.

  • 1964: The Wilderness Act is passed, protecting designated wilderness areas within national parks and other public lands, ensuring their preservation in their natural state.

  • 1970: The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) is signed into law, mandating environmental impact assessments for federal projects, including those within national parks.

  • 1980: The Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act is passed, expanding the national park system and adding significant areas of land in Alaska, including the establishment of Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve.

  • 2009: President Barack Obama signs the Omnibus Public Land Management Act into law, designating several new national parks and expanding existing ones, such as Joshua Tree National Park and Zion National Park.

  • Present: The U.S. National Park system has grown to include over 60 designated national parks, as well as national monuments, preserves, seashores, and historic sites. These protected areas attract millions of visitors each year and serve as vital conservation areas for biodiversity, natural wonders, cultural heritage, and outdoor recreation.

The establishment and continued expansion of the U.S. National Parks reflect a commitment to preserving and sharing the country's unique natural and cultural treasures for future generations.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

The state has a rich tradition of cowboy culture and rodeo, with many annual events celebrating this heritage. One of the most famous is the annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, which features hundreds of hot air balloons and draws thousands of visitors each year.
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 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.