Long before European contact, the region now known as Santa Fe was home to the Tewa people and other Puebloan tribes. As early as 900 AD, settlements like Pueblo Ogapoge thrived along the Santa Fe River, with communities deeply connected to the land through farming, art, and
spiritual traditions.
In 1598, Spanish explorers led by Juan de Oñate arrived, establishing the province of Santa Fe de Nuevo México. By 1610, Santa Fe was officially founded as La Villa Real de la Santa Fe de San Francisco de Asís, becoming the capital of the Spanish territory. The Spanish brought Catholic missions, adobe architecture, and a new governance structure, but tensions with Native communities culminated in the Pueblo Revolt of 1680. The Spanish were expelled for 12 years before reclaiming the city in 1692.
Over the centuries, Anglo-American settlers arrived, especially after the U.S. took control of New Mexico in 1846. Santa Fe became the capital of the New Mexico Territory in 1851 and retained that role when New Mexico achieved statehood in 1912.
Santa Fe remains the capital of New Mexico and is celebrated as “The City Different” for its vibrant arts scene, historic charm, and multicultural identity. Just northwest lies Los Alamos, home to the Los Alamos National Laboratory, originally founded in 1943 as part of the Manhattan Project. Today, it’s one of the world’s leading research institutions, contributing to national security, energy innovation, and scientific discovery.
The convergence of Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo cultures and over time, others, shaped Santa Fe into a city known for its unique blend of traditions, languages, cuisine, and art. This multi-cultural heritage is reflected in everything from its architecture to its festivals.
