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With a population of 84,683 as of the 2020 census, Santa Fe is the capital of the state of New Mexico and the county seat of Santa Fe County. Founded in 1610 by Spanish colonists, it is one of the oldest cities in the United States and contains a rich cultural heritage blending Spanish, Mexican, Native American, and Anglo influences.

History

Santa Fe was originally inhabited by the Tanoan Pueblo peoples. The city was founded in 1610 when Spanish explorer Pedro de Peralta established a settlement there, naming it La Villa Real de la Santa Fé de San Francisco de Asís (The Royal Town of the Holy Faith of Saint Francis of Assisi). For nearly 200 years, Spain controlled New Mexico and Santa Fe was the capital. In 1821, Mexico gained independence from Spain and briefly controlled the territory until it became part of the United States after the Mexican-American War in 1848.

As a hub on the legendary Santa Fe Trail between Missouri and New Mexico, Santa Fe was an important stopover for traders, trappers, and travelers in the 19th century. Its location along the trail fostered economic prosperity and cultural exchange. After New Mexico became a U.S. territory, Santa Fe continued to grow in importance.

Today, the city retains its rich heritage, historic architecture, and multicultural traditions. The Santa Fe Plaza remains the heart of the city with its 17th century adobe buildings and Palace of the Governors, now a history museum. Santa Fe's distinctive Pueblo-Spanish architectural style seen in many downtown buildings reflect the city's unique confluence of cultures.

Attractions and Landmarks

Santa Fe Plaza

Located in downtown Santa Fe, the Santa Fe Plaza has been the city's central gathering place for over 400 years. Surrounded by shops, restaurants, and historic buildings, this plaza comes alive with music, art, and cultural events. Notable sites on the plaza include the Palace of the Governors, San Miguel Mission Chapel, the Santa Fe Palace Hotel, and the New Mexico Museum of Art.

Santa Fe Plaza
63 Lincoln Ave, Santa Fe, NM 87501

Loretto Chapel

The Loretto Chapel is known for its "miraculous staircase," a spiral wooden stairway with no visible supports. Built in the late 19th century for the Sisters of Loretto, legend says it was constructed by a mysterious carpenter who disappeared without giving his name. The Gothic Revival chapel is a popular tourist destination and historic landmark in Santa Fe.

Loretto Chapel
207 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe, NM 87501

El Rancho de las Golondrinas

El Rancho de las Golondrinas is a living history museum focused on 18th and 19th century life in Spanish Colonial New Mexico. Set on a 200-acre ranch, it features historic buildings like a chapel, molino, and weaving room where costumed interpreters demonstrate traditional skills and crafts. The site provides insight into the agriculture, architecture, and traditions of Santa Fe's colonial past.

El Rancho de las Golondrinas
334 Los Pinos Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87507

Museum of International Folk Art

Part of the Museum of New Mexico system, the Museum of International Folk Art holds the world's largest collection of traditional folk art. Its holdings include over 130,000 objects from more than 100 countries. Exhibits highlight different cultures and art-making processes. The museum's distinctive building was designed by noted Santa Fe architect John Gaw Meem and represents the New Mexico vernacular style.

Museum of International Folk Art
706 Camino Lejo, Santa Fe, NM 87505

Public Transportation

Public transportation in Santa Fe is provided by the Santa Fe Trails bus system. It offers 18 routes providing service throughout the city as well as connections to neighboring communities like Los Alamos, Española, and Taos. Fares are $1 per ride or $2 for an all-day pass. The Santa Fe Pickup is an on-demand rideshare service providing door-to-door transportation within city limits.

The New Mexico Rail Runner Express commuter rail line also serves Santa Fe, providing passenger service between Belen and Santa Fe on weekdays. The Santa Fe Rail Yard station is located just south of downtown.

Santa Fe is quite walkable due to its compact downtown area. Many historic sites and attractions are within walking distance of the plaza. Biking is also popular, with miles of designated bike lanes and the Santa Fe River Trail.

Major Employers

The state government is a major employer in Santa Fe. Numerous state agencies are headquartered in the city, including:

General Services Department
1100 St. Francis Dr, Santa Fe, NM 87505
(505) 827-2000

Department of Transportation
1120 Cerrillos Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87504
(505) 827-5100

Other major employers include:

Christus St. Vincent Hospital
455 St. Michaels Dr, Santa Fe, NM 87505
(505) 913-3361

Los Alamos National Laboratory
11200 Trinity Dr, Los Alamos, NM 87544
(505) 667-5061

Santa Fe Public Schools
610 Alta Vista St, Santa Fe, NM 87505
(505) 467-2000

City of Santa Fe
200 Lincoln Ave, Santa Fe, NM 87504
(505) 955-6590

Museums

Santa Fe is renowned for its museums and art galleries. In addition to the New Mexico Museum of Art and Museum of International Folk Art mentioned above, notable museums include:

Museum of Indian Arts & Culture - Focuses on Native American art and history
New Mexico History Museum - Traces the history of the state from prehistoric times to present
Georgia O'Keeffe Museum - Dedicated to the iconic modern artist who lived in northern New Mexico
SITE Santa Fe - Contemporary art exhibitions and installations

Public Library

The Santa Fe Public Library, located downtown, serves as the city's main library. Established in 1937 with funding from the Works Progress Administration, the Pueblo Revival-style building was designed by architect John Gaw Meem. The library system also operates four branch libraries throughout the city.

Santa Fe Public Library
145 Washington Ave, Santa Fe, NM 87501
(505) 955-6780

Economy

As the capital of New Mexico, government and politics play a major role in Santa Fe's economy. Tourism is also vitally important, drawn by the city's art galleries, festivals, museums, cuisine, and historic and cultural sites. Other economic drivers include technology and scientific industries tied to Los Alamos National Laboratory as well as film production.

For more on Santa Fe's economy, visit the Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce website.

Education

Public education in Santa Fe is provided by the Santa Fe Public Schools district, which serves approximately 13,000 students in 19 schools. There are four public high schools - Capital High School, New Mexico School for the Arts, Santa Fe High School, and Academy for Technology and the Classics Charter School.

Higher education options include Santa Fe Community College and the Institute of American Indian Arts. The city is also home to St. John's College, a private liberal arts college.

Sports

Professional sports teams include the Santa Fe Fuego baseball club, which plays at Fort Marcy Ballfield. The Santa Fe Soccer Club fields both a men's and women's team in the Premier Development League.

College athletics are also popular, with the Santa Fe University of Art and Design Fighting Saints competing in NAIA sports.

County and Local Information

Santa Fe is located in Santa Fe County.

Santa Fe County
102 Grant Ave, Santa Fe, NM 87501
(505) 986-6200

The city government website, SantaFeNM.gov, provides information on local services and resources for residents.

The Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce website, SantaFe.org, is a resource for visitors and new residents.

You can also follow the City of Santa Fe on Facebook.

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