Old Santa Fe
WHAT TO SEE IN THE OLDEST CAPITAL
The Plaza—Where Onate founded New Spain in 1606; held by revolting Pueblo Indians for thirteen years, 1680-1693, after a score of Franciscan were massacred and the Spaniards shot down or driven from the country; scene of reconquest by De Vargas in 1693; seventy Pueblo ringleaders were executed here; seized briefly again by Indians in 1837 with bloody strife; scene of many executions in Spanish days; frontier-day duels; resting-place and market-place of caravans of the Santa Fe Trail. Plere Gen. Kearny in 1846 raised Old Glory and took possession for the U. S. of the western half of America. The flag of Mexican independence had been raised in 1S21.
The Palace of The Governors—Built about 1607, it is the oldest government building in America; in its walls are sections of Indian earth-masonry of unknown antiquity. Occupied by ninety-three Spanish, Indian, Mexican and American governors in succession, its massive walls have known bloodshed and intrigue of centuries. Here Lew Wallace wrote part of Ben I-Iur. I-Iouscs priceless collections of New Mexico Historical Society and School of American Research.
New Mexico State Museum—Northwest corner of Plaza; replica of Indian Mission church at Acoma; murals and exhibitions by artists painting in the southwest; historical and art library, St. Francis’ auditorium, and civic center; archaeological laboratory, Indian Arts Fund pottery collections.
Monuments—Cross in memory of Franciscan Martyrs on hill overlooking city from north; Soldiers’ Monument, Lamy fountain, Kearny memorial, Santa Fe Trail marker in Plaza; Kit Carson monument in front of Federal building; statue of Archbishop Lamy before Cathedral of St. Francis; statue of Brother Botulph, St. Michael’s College; Perez monument on road to Agua Fria, where Gov. Perez was slain by Pueblos in 1680; Bridge of the Hidalgos spanning Arroyo Mascaras; war cannon on Plaza and High School campus; memorials to famous soldiers in National Cemetery.
San Miguel Chapel, College St., ten minutes from Plaza; oldest continuously used church edifice
in U. S.; built 1637, partially razed by Indians in 1680, rebuilt 1710; ancient bell, old paintings and other relics.
Oldest House—Adjoining San Miguel chapel. Built, tradition says, by Pueblos before founding of Santa Fe; occupied since 1693; formerly used as quarters for Mexican Indian servants of Spaniards; preserved for exhibition to visitors, with attendant in charge.
St. Francis Cathedral—Begun 1612, destroyed 16S0, rebuilt 1711-14, modern structure in French ecclesiastical architecture later; part of eighteenth century edifice remains. Paintings by old masters; reredos behind altar by Gov. Del Valle and wife in 1761. Ancient vestments. Two Franciscan friars slain by Indians buried behind altar; tradition says remains of General Dc Vargas also lie under altar.
Archbishop’s Gardens—Adjoining cathedral.
Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe—Corner Guadalupe and Agua Fria streets. Built early in 19th century; interesting paintings.
Rosario Chapel and Cemetery—Chapel built originally to commemorate re-entry of De Vargas.
Fort Marcy—Earthworks built 1846, commanding city, by American soldiers of army of General Sterling Price; far-flung outpost of the flag in frontier days; named for then Secretary of War.
St. Michael’s College—Conducted by Christian Brothers, oldest boys’ school west of the Missouri ; well known landmark.
State Capitol and Executive Mansion— Handsome modern buildings in beautiful grounds, containing more varieties of trees than found anywhere else in Southwest.