Sante Fe
A Charming
Old Town
New Mexico
April 24, 2001
Santa Fe
is a city rich in heritage. It is a city where opposing strands
of the enduring weave of New Mexico converge. American Indian,
Spanish and Anglo cultures; church and state; past and future
remain unmerged but firmly linked in Santa Fe. As these
differences are the essence of the state, they also are the soul
and charm of its capital city.
The past was evident at the site that newly appointed governor
Don Pedro de Peralta chose for the provincial capital 1609-10.
The Spanish penchant for long titles did not fail Peralta, who
named his city La Villa Real de Santa Fé de San Francisco de
Asis--the Royal City of the Holy Faith of St. Francis of Assisi.
By late 1610 the Plaza, governor's palace and some city walls
were tangible proof of
the
beginning of what would become the oldest continuous seat of
government in the United States.
That same year the Mission of San Miguel of Santa Fe was
established to serve as headquarters for a second power in the
region: the church. Franciscan fathers quickly fanned out to
usher the local tribe members into the Christian fold; a 1617
report stated that 14,000 souls had been converted. Santa Fe has
been a major Catholic stronghold since. Now a privately owned
museum, the 1878 Loretto Chapel is well-known for its spiral
screw staircase built without nails or visible support beams.
Time mercifully has shortened the city's name to Santa Fe, but
the core of the original settlement--the Plaza--remains
essentially intact. At its north edge Peralta's palacio--a
monument to continuity of rule, if not of rulers--still stands.
Four flags have flown over the building as a governmental center
under Spain, 
Mexico, the Confederate States of America and
the United States. Today this area serves as a shopping area with
peoples from different cultures offering beautiful handmade
pieces, some at very reasonable prices.
As it has been for nearly 4 centuries, the Plaza, the square
block bounded by Lincoln Avenue, E. Palace Avenue, Santa Fe Trail
and San Francisco Street, is a vital center of commerce,
festivals and history. Guided walking tours of the city regularly
depart from the blue gate of the Palace of the Governors.
Santa Fe is a town filled with museums and lots of lovely small
shops along its winding streets. It is definitely a city not to
be missed, but I would advise against taking any large size RVs
through town. Most of the streets are very narrow and the turns
are very sharp.
While visiting the area, in addition to the sites in town, be
sure and take the various side trips that are available:
The Santa Fe Scenic Byway follows SR 475 northeast through Little
Tesuque
Canyon to Hyde Memorial State Park and
continues to the Santa Fe Ski Area winter sports area. The loop
is completed via FR 102 through Pacheco Canyon and SR 22, which
ends at Tesuque, about 6 miles north. Forest roads are not paved;
check road conditions before starting.
Turquoise Trail, SRs 14 and 536, runs along the east side of the
Sandias between Cedar Crest and La Cienega; highlights along this
route include spectacular mountain scenery, a few ghost towns,
thick pine and aspen forests and Sandia Crest.
Another interesting trip follows I-25 through Glorieta Pass to
Pecos. There, SR 63 turns north to Cowles at the edge of Santa Fe
National Forest's Pecos Wilderness, known for its trout fishing,
big game hunting and large elk herds. Various area pueblos
welcome visitors; check for hours and restrictions.
Good Luck! Have Fun! and Stay Safe!
Laura