National Register Listing

Santa Fe Plaza

Santa Fe Plaza, Santa Fe, NM
A feature of Santa Fe since its founding in 1609, the Santa Fe Plaza has always been the social and economic center of the city, and in its earlier days, the strategic defense center as well. To the traders and travelers on the Santa Fe Trail, the Plaza symbolized the goal of their long trek, for here they parked and unloaded their wagons and displayed their trade goods. The Plaza no longer appears as the large open market and trading center of old; but as a pleasant town square, it continues to be the center of Santa Fe.
History
In the winter of 1609-10, Don Pedro de Peralta, third governor of the Province of Nuevo Mejico, established the settlement of Santa Fe, with the construction of a palacio for a fortress, the laying out of a plaza, and the erection of a wall around the settlement. Although the wall did not survive, the palace did, and with the subsequent construction of houses for the Spanish officers and officials on the other three sides of the plaza, that large open square of packed earth provided a well-fortified center of defense against Indian attack. As well as providing a focus for the houses of the social elite, the plaza was the commercial center of Santa Fe, for here was the marketplace for Indian wares and garden produce. In 1821, when Mexico gained independence from Spain, the plaza was named La Plaza de la Constitucion, and at this time, the trade route to Santa Fe from the United States was opened. With the commencement of trade on the Santa Fe Trail, the plaza provided the final goal for the caravans on their eight or ten-week journeys. The wagons were parked and unloaded on the plaza and custom negotiations were carried out, and it was from the plaza that the weary traders spread out over the town in search of refreshment and entertainment. In 1846, on the plaza, General Kearny proclaimed the annexation of New Mexico to the United States, and with the coming of the Americans, activity on the Santa Fe Trail began to lessen. The plaza was fenced in and planted with alfalfa, and reduced to half its size. The later structures of the "80s" which flanked the plaza were primarily specimens of transplanted eastern architecture, although in recent years, there has been a return to the earlier Pueblo, Spanish, and territorial styles.
Bibliography
American Guide Series, New Mexico; A Guide to the Colorful State (Hastings House, New York, 1940).

R. L. Duffus, The Santa Fe Trail (New York, 1930).

Josiah Gregg, The Commerce of the Prairies (Dallas, 1933).

Ralph Twitchell, Old Santa Fe (Santa Fe, 1925).
Local significance of the site:
Commerce; Transportation

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1966.

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.

New Mexico was the birthplace of several famous figures in American history, including the outlaw Billy the Kid, the physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer, and the astronaut Harrison Schmitt, who was one of the last men to walk on the moon.
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.