Encompassed in the general plaza area are historic monuments, restaurants, businesses and art galleries, including the Palace of the Governors (the oldest public building in the U.S.), the New Mexico Museum of Art, Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi, and the Loretto Chapel. In true pueblo fashion, the Plaza architecture is traditional adobe. Just 16 miles (26 km) from the Santa Fe ski basin, the Plaza dates back to the early 17th century when Santa Fe was settled by conquistadors. Until the mid-19th century, the Plaza lacked landscaping, and ownership of the area transitioned between the Spaniards and the Mexicans throughout the earlier years.[4]
Pre-Columbian era
The area now known as Santa Fe had been inhabited by Tewa and other peoples, for which there is archaeological evidence as near[clarification needed] to the Plaza as the Sena compound.[5]
Spanish era
All Spanish colonial towns with a regional governor's office (for Santa Fe de Nuevo México, that was the Palace of the Governors) were required by the civic planning section of the laws of the Indies to have a Plaza de Armas to marshal the palace guard in. The original Plaza was a presidio surrounded by a large defensive wall that enclosed residences, barracks, a chapel, a prison and the Governor's palace. Eventually the wall gave way to large houses built by high-ranking Spanish officers and officials. In the early days, it was found at the end of El Camino Real (the Spanish Royal Road from Mexico City).[6]
Mexican era
View of Santa Fe Plaza in the 1850s, painting by Gerald Cassidy, c. 1930
With Mexico's Independence from Spain, in 1821, the Santa Fe Trail, a trade route connecting New Mexico with Missouri, was opened with its western terminus at the Santa Fe Plaza. Overland wagon caravans used the plaza to camp and unload trade goods. The Old Pecos Trail also passed nearby before it was rerouted.[7][failed verification]
U.S. territorial era
After the New Mexico Territory was established, a fence was built around the plaza to keep out animals. Trees were also planted and pathways were introduced. A bandstand was added at various locations over time, as was the Soldiers' Monument in the plaza center.[8]
U.S. statehood
After New Mexico was admitted as the 47th state in 1912, a historic preservation plan was established.[when?] The plaza is now marked by structures in the Pueblo, Spanish and Territorial styles that reflect its history. Among the most noted are the original palacio, the Palace of the Governors, built between 1610 and 1612 and San Miguel Mission, a noted landmark (c. 1640), and one of the oldest churches in the United States.[9] The plaza is surrounded by restaurants, shops, and museums. Many seasonal community events are held at the plaza.
The Plaza has several mature trees, street lamps, a banco, a central monument, a buried time capsule,[11] a bandstand and a water fountain. Wireless internet access is also available as of 2019.[citation needed]
Christmas lighting at the Santa Fe Plaza
Notable residents
William S. Messervy, Santa Fe trader and acting Governor of New Mexico in 1854, lived in a house on the Plaza.[12]
^Noble, David, ed. (1989). "Frances Levine, Down Under an Ancient City: An Archeologist's View of Santa Fe". Santa Fe, History of an Ancient City. Santa Fe: School of American Research. pp. 9–25. ISBN0-933452-26-8.
^Wilson, Chris (1997). The Myth of Santa Fe, Creating a Modern Regional Tradition. Albuquerque: University of New Mexico Press. pp. 58, 60. ISBN978-0826317469.
