Santa Fe is poised with the grace and promise of an existence that spans over 400 years. As the nation's oldest capital city, Santa Fe bears an identity that extends past Anglo-America and into Spanish and Pueblo heritages. History aficionados and culture enthusiasts are drawn to “The City Different” each year. Explore numerous museums and partake in community-wide celebrations. Santa Fe is a paradise for the bold-hearted.
Santa Fe’s history is firmly planted in the struggle of centuries-old cultural clashes. Such molten chaos has given rise to the solidified, beautiful epicenter of today. The city is like obsidian: smooth and solid, glistening delicately with each sunrise and sunset as countless people make their way across its palette of reds, yellows and terracotta. Prior to the eruption of territorial clashes, Santa Fe and its accompanying areas were home to the Pueblo Indians, who occupied the region from 1050 to 1150 AD, with the earliest documented settlement at 900 AD. The village in present-day Santa Fe was called “Ogapoge,” and it thrived around the water from the Santa Fe River. In 1598, the Spanish began their efforts of colonization under the helm of Don Juan de Oñate: he christened the area “Santa Fé de Nuevo México” as a province of New Spain. Santa Fe would remain Spain’s provincial seat until the beginnings of the Mexican War of Independence in 1810. American influence suffused into Santa Fe when the Republic of Texas would claim the city as a part of the Texan territory when it seceded from Mexico in 1836. The United States declared war on Mexico in 1846 following a failed attempt at gaining control over the Santa Fe Trail, and Brigadier General Stephen W. Kearny led a faction of his Army of the West into Santa Fe to secure it and the New Mexico Territory for the United States. The struggle lasted only two years, with the United States gaining New Mexico in the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. Catholicism strongly shaped Santa Fe and the Southwest throughout the 1850s with the arrival of Jean Baptiste Lamy, bishop of New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, and Colorado. He sanctioned the construction of Saint Francis Cathedral in Santa Fe, which is still standing today. Beyond its religious affiliations, the city became known for its wealth of archeological and artistic resources, most especially with the School of American Research founded in 1907. Such significance led to New Mexico’s 1912 induction as America’s 47th state, and Santa Fe became its capital.
Whether you're traveling by air, train, car or water, you will discover the beautiful architecture, museums, theaters, and festivals that Santa Fe has to offer. Visit the Loretto Chapel and see the mystically built "miraculous staircase," crafted, according to legend, by an angel. Stroll through art galleries, sculpture galleries, and hand-crafted silver and turquoise jewelry. Everywhere you go, you are sure to find a visual treat in stunning Santa Fe.
Looking for a great place to eat while in Santa Fe? You can indulge in the exquisite Mexican fare, aged steaks, and delicious local offerings. Santa Fe has restaurants suitable for every taste, so get started on your journey with the help of great food.
If you're looking for a quick bite to eat or a delicious meal, visit one of Santa Fe's many cafés. Every type of food is available because of the enormous amount of restaurants. Grab a soup and sandwich or sit down for a delicious cup of coffee while watching the busy city pass you by.
Santa Fe has many different bars and lounges that can accommodate anyone's taste for enjoyment. One of the country's best bars, Agave Lounge, is located in the desert oasis. Find fantastic wine flights at several locations, or, if beer is more to your taste, several breweries and handcrafted brews are always on tap.
Shopping in Santa Fe can be in adventure in itself. Ranging from small and charming shops, boutiques, and shopping malls, you are guaranteed to find what you're looking for. Make sure to visit some of the local galleries with outdoor sculptures, and be sure you pick up some handcrafted silver and turquoise jewellery.
