By: Sherry E Engler

Unique and remarkably vibrant, Santa Fe, New Mexico is the oldest capital in the United States. Santa Fe has claimed the title of Capital for over four hundred years; spanning the conflicts of many peoples, cultures, and legacies; for it is truly a city of intrigue, historical struggles, and art heritages. One of a kind, one of the nicknames for Santa Fe through the years is “The City Different.” 

And different, she is! Perhaps, it was the Rio Grande River that enticed the first inhabitants to this land of enchantment nestled at the base of the gentle slopes of the Sangre de Cristos foothills, at the southern tip of the craggy Rocky Mountains. Historians believe the Rio Grande ran with gusto year-round in pre-historic eras, luring the Tanoan people to settle in the Santa Fe region for the convenience of a year-round supply of water and transportation of goods. This indigenous culture inhabitation has been traced to perhaps as early as 900 CE. Historians even note how the Tanoan’s built a village centered near present-day Santa Fe Plaza. (Maybe, they too thought of Santa Fe as a capital city.)

However, the city was officially founded on behalf of Spain, gaining the title of Villa Real de la Santa Fe de San Francisco de Asis, the Royal Town of the Holy Faith of Saint Francis of Assisi, in 1607 by Don Pedro de Peralta, the second Spanish governor of the land of New Mexico. He officially designated Santa Fe as the capital of the province in 1610. Santa Fe has remained steadfast to the title of a capital city since, even throughout the historical conflicts of different rulers and ownership. Amazing! Absolutely amazing!

If I could simply write a small novel for this article, I might be able to cover more of the history of Santa Fe; however, because of time and space limitations, I will have to summarize, recap, outline, downsize, trim, condense, and downscale wherever possible. Therefore, to cover some of the most important historical events and conflicts I leave you with just a few of these facts.

Santa Fe has had three ruling governments through the last five centuries, all while maintaining her status as a capital city. From 1610 to 1821, the Spanish Empire ruled over this land, thus Santa Fe was considered a capital city and part of New Spain. After many struggles, the citizens of New Spain fought for independence, creating their own government of Mexico. Therefore, from 1821 to 1846, Santa Fe was the capital city of Mexico. Lastly, in 1846, the United States gained control, declaring Santa Fe as the capital of New Mexico. Santa Fe is truly resilient in many, many ways. 

Delightfully preserved for history enthusiasts, downtown historic Santa Fe does not disappoint. The deep-rooted streets are lined with museums, artists’ shops, and charming cafés with delectable treats. The village is bustling with tourists, explorers, and travelers. Yet, the structure, which is indescribably welcoming is the Historic Cathedral Church of St. Francis of Assissi.

The unsurpassed architecture of the Historic Cathedral Church of St. Francis of Assissi created eras ago as an infamous host for the weary and tired spanning five centuries, astounds with a realm of peacefulness and serenity. The conflicts of yesteryear melt away as you stand on grounds many before you have traversed, perhaps even centuries ago. The statue of St. Francis rises tall, beaconing you to come closer, to read the Prayer of St. Francis, to enjoy the Grace of the Holy, to stop ALL, and focus on a precious moment of reverence. Travel instances like this are priceless; for they remain in your heart, reflecting peace, with you always.

The name Santa Fe means “Holy Faith” in Spanish. How appropriate for this splendid city! Words escape me as I try to explain in writing the calm, tranquil emotion I feel as I tour the sacred grounds of the cathedral and the surrounding village square. Perchance, the words of the Prayer of St. Francis reflect in sentiment a Fatherly aspiration of eternal harmony. Astounding!

Some more interesting facts about the Holy Faith city of Santa Fe:

• Santa Fe is not only the oldest capital in the United States but also the second oldest city. St. Augustine, Florida is the oldest being found in 1565 by Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles of Spain. Santa Fe is the second oldest being officially founded in 1607.
• Santa Fe is also the highest capital of the United States, having an elevation of 7,199 feet, located at the tip of the Rockies. 
• Santa Fe was named one of the nine cities in the world in 2005 by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) as a Creative City which universally encourages the arts, education, sciences, and cultures while promoting peace and security.
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If you visit the New Mexico History Museum, within walking distance of the cathedral, you will enjoy the rich displays of historic treasures. Visit the Palace of the Governors to truly get a glimpse into the historical conflicts of the land when ruled by Spain and later by Mexico. See the Segesser Hide Paintings, believed to be painted on bison hide, depicting the fate of tribal warriors and Spanish fighters in Segesser I and of the New Mexico Villasur expedition of August 13, 1720, in Segesser II. The exhibits are endless with facts and carry you from the very beginning of Santa Fe to the present day. A treasure indeed!

And for the hiking enthusiasts, you may want to explore the Santa Fe National Historic Trail spanning 900 miles through Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Colorado, and New Mexico. The railroad's arrival in Santa Fe in 1880 ended the necessity of the industrial path, connecting trades and goods through these states; however, today the path is very rich, preserving a path in past trade and historic merchant feats. 

Or, if you are an enthusiastic hiker and a time traveler buff, you may want to explore the El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro National Historic Trail. In 1598, Don Juan de Onate with Spanish colonists traveled this path which would later be named “The Royal Road of the Interior Lands.” The trail traveled from Mexico City, north of Santa Fe, bringing settlers, priests, soldiers, and travelers wearily into the northern frontier of New Spain. What an endeavor! 

As always, if hiking trails, research any cautionary facts, inform someone of your travel plans and date of return, ALWAYS, ALWAYS carry more than enough water, and check the weather and phone reception capabilities. Don’t forget the snacks! Be safe and have fun!



Don and I thoroughly enjoyed Old Historic Santa Fe. If you get the chance to go, I highly recommend it. Be sure to add it to your bucket list! From our house to yours, may your historic travels be less conflictual than the ones who previously made history, may you envision how great the strife was for so many who treasured our land, enough to fight for it, and may you find treasured moments of serenity and peace wherever your travels take you. Blessings!