Why is Santa Fe the capital of New Mexico?
Santa Fe was designated the capital of the U.S. State of New Mexico in 1912. As the cultural and economic centre of New Mexico, the city exerts substantial influence in the state's politics, education, entertainment, environment, media, fashion, science, culture, and the arts.
What to do in Santa Fe NM?
Santa Fe's treasure trove of fascinating historic sites includes Native American ruins and the oldest church in the country. Take a fun road trip off the beaten path and visit traditional pueblos, old mining towns revived by artists, high mountain Spanish Colonial villages and New Mexico wineries.
What are the key facts of Santa Fe?
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 37.4 sq mi (96.9 km 2), of which 37.3 sq mi (96.7 km 2) are land and 0.077 sq mi (0.2 km 2) (0.21%) is covered by water. Santa Fe is located at 7,199 feet (2,194 m) above sea level, making it the highest state capital in the United States.
What is New Mexican cuisine like in Santa Fe?
Although New Mexican cuisine tends to copy other cultures and ethnicities, you’ll find a Native American emphasis in Santa Fe with a modern fusion of styles and ingredients that makes it truly unique.
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Why is Santa Fe New Mexico so popular?
Also known as The City Different, Santa Fe is famous for its historic architecture, its rich Native American culture, and its art. In fact, Santa Fe's world-famous arts scene draws in tourists who are curious to see what inspired artists such as Georgia O'Keefe.
What kind of food is Santa Fe known for?
Santa Fe is internationally known as a food city thanks to its unique regional cuisine. Of course, the city has globally inspired eateries, fine-dining restaurants, and fast casual spots, but it is best known for New Mexican cuisine.
What is Santa Fe known for historically?
Santa Fe is the site of both the oldest public building in America, the Palace of the Governors and the nation's oldest community celebration, the Santa Fe Fiesta, established in 1712 to commemorate the Spanish reconquest of New Mexico in the summer of 1692.
What are some fun facts about Santa Fe?
Santa Fe Fun FactsOldest Government Seat in the United States.Oldest Church in the United States.Oldest House in the United States.Elevation 7000 ft. ... “City of Holy Faith” otherwise known as “The City Different”310 days of Sunlight Yearly.State Question: Red or Green? (Refers to Chile) Or, maybe Christmas.More items...
What should I wear at night in Santa Fe?
A coat, long sleeve shirts, thermal layers, and pants are all must-haves. Of course, regardless of the season you visit, we recommend packing some nice clothing if you want to explore the upscale restaurant and culture scene at night (Santa Fe Opera and art galleries). Also, try not to overpack shoes and socks.
Does Santa Fe get altitude sickness?
Santa Fe and Altitude Sickness In rare cases, people who are unaccustomed to the elevation change after traveling to Santa Fe may experience elevation sickness. Symptoms may include shortness of breath, headaches, nausea, and dizziness.
Does Santa Fe get a lot of snow?
Snow season occurs from November through April, with an average of 32 inches of snow in town and up to 300 inches in the ski areas. The low humidity and smog-free skies make the Santa Fe climate one of the healthiest in the United States.
Why should I go to Santa Fe?
With a culture based on a variety of unusual ingredients, including Gothic cathedrals, a love for the great outdoors, chile-infused cuisine and a profound emphasis on the arts, this truly is the "City Different." Santa Fe also preserves a historic feel – with Spanish-influenced architecture and buildings that date back ...
What are people from Santa Fe called?
Santa Fe, New MexicoSanta Fe Ogha P'o'ogehDemonym(s)Santa Fean; Santafesino, -naTime zoneUTC−7 (MST)• Summer (DST)UTC−6 (MDT)ZIP codes87500-8759933 more rows
What is Santa Fe best known for?
Today, The City Different is home to an extensive array of museums and immersive art experiences and a whopping 250+ galleries, 100 of which are located on the winding half mile of Canyon Road. Though it's been true forever, in 2021, Santa Fe was named the world's best city for galleries and museums.
What is New Mexico known for?
New Mexico is known for its stunning landscapes and diverse array of attractions. From its beautiful caves and blue corn pancakes to the first atomic bomb test site and famous chili peppers, there's something for everyone in this unique state.
What are 3 interesting facts about New Mexico?
In New Mexico, there are only about 12 people per square mile. There are many more sheep and cattle in the state than people. At 7,000 feet above sea level, Santa Fe, New Mexico is the highest capital city in the United States. New Mexico has one of the greatest temperature ranges in the United States.
What is the State Food of New Mexico?
In New Mexico, chile goes beyond just being an ingredient. It is a symbol of state pride that adorns license plates that proclaim “Chile Capital of the World.” Technically a fruit, the chile is New Mexico's official state vegetable (along with pinto beans, because you can't have chile without frijoles.
What is the difference between New Mexican food and Mexican food?
Chile is one of the most definitive differences between New Mexican and other Mexican and Mexican-American cuisines (which often make a different green chile sauce from tomatillos). New Mexican cuisine uses chile sauce as taco sauce, enchilada sauce, burrito sauce, etc.
What is Santa Fe known for?
Santa Fe is known for its rich local history, a melting pot of cultural influences, reverence for the arts, and its signature cuisine. You can find one-of-a-kind museums here, as well as buildings that date back to the 1600s and the days of Spanish colonization.
What is the art district in Santa Fe?
This half-mile strip is Santa Fe’s most lively and modern art district and is home to museums, galleries featuring many different styles of art as well as many artist studios.
What to do when you wander down the street?
As you wander down the street, you can take in the stunning sculptures and pop into any gallery that catches your eye.
What are neon exhibits?
The colorful, neon interactive exhibits play with light, texture, shape, and all kinds of other mind-bending artistic elements. You can plan to spend a few hours wandering and interacting with all of the rooms that this space has to offer to its curious visitors. Get ready for an all-immersive artistic experience when stopping by Meow Wolf.
What can you learn about Georgia O'Keeffe?
At the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, you can learn more about the artist, discovering what she was like as a person. You can also see many of her most famous original paintings and learn more about the thought process and genius behind each piece.
Why is the Loretto Chapel so famous?
The Loretto Chapel is a significant attraction because of its famed spiral staircase. Known as the Miraculous Stair, this wooden staircase spirals upwards without any central or external supports. The carpenter of this magical staircase remains unknown and adds to the mystery and wonder of this attraction.
Is Santa Fe a must see city?
Santa Fe is one of the must-see destinations in the American Southwest. If you want adobe houses, mouthwatering cuisine, and unique cultural traditions all blended together, Santa Fe is the New Mexican city for you.
When was Santa Fe occupied?
Before European colonization of the Americas, the area Santa Fe occupied between 900 CE and the 1500 s was known to the Tewa peoples as Oghá P'o'oge ("White Shell Water Place") and by the Navajo people as Yootó ('Bead' 'Water Place'). In 1610, Juan de Oñate established the area as Santa Fe de Nuevo México –a province of New Spain.
What happened to Santa Fe after the railroad?
After the mainline of the railroad bypassed Santa Fe, it lost population. However, artists and writers, as well as retirees, were attracted to the cultural richness of the area, the beauty of the landscapes, and its dry climate. Local leaders began promoting the city as a tourist attraction. The city sponsored architectural restoration projects and erected new buildings according to traditional techniques and styles, thus creating the Santa Fe Style .
What happened in 1921 Santa Fe?
1921 Fiesta parade, Santa Fe. Palace of the Governors in background. After the mainline of the railroad bypassed Santa Fe, it lost population. However, artists and writers, as well as retirees, were attracted to the cultural richness of the area, the beauty of the landscapes, and its dry climate.
How many electoral districts are there in Santa Fe?
The city of Santa Fe is a charter city. It is governed by a mayor-council system. The city is divided into four electoral districts, each represented by two councilors. Councilors are elected to staggered four-year terms and one councilor from each district is elected every two years. : Article VI
What is the Spanish name for Santa Fe?
The standard Spanish pronunciation of the city's name is SAHN-tah-FAY, as contextualized within the city's full Spanish name La Villa Real de la Santa Fé de San Francisco de Asís. However, due to the large amounts of tourism and immigration into Santa Fe, an English pronunciation of SAN-tuh-FAY is also commonly used.
How big is Santa Fe?
Santa Fe is located at 7,199 feet (2,194 m) above sea level, making it the highest state capital in the United States.
What county is Las Vegas in?
It is the fourth-largest city in New Mexico with a population of 84,683 in 2019, the county seat of Santa Fe County, and its metropolitan area is part of the larger Albuquerque –Santa Fe– Las Vegas combined statistical area, with a population of 1,178,664 in 2018.
What is the most unique art museum in Santa Fe?
And while each of those other art museums is interesting and different in their own ways, Meow Wolf’s House of Eternal Return is, by far, Santa Fe’s most unique. This art house is immersive, with an adventure-like style of interaction with its visitors.
Why is Santa Fe so famous?
Actually, Santa Fe is known the world over for it’s amazing art culture. This is probably because of the large number of art monuments, showcases, and museums that you can find from within the heart of the city, all the way to its outskirts.
What time does Santa Fe open?
Tours are available every day, with prices differing with each type of tour. Opening hours: 7 am to 6 pm (Monday to Friday), closed on weekends. The amazing city of Santa Fe is known for both a booming hub of art and as one of America’s growing cultural cores.
What state is the Land of Enchantment?
Tweet. The amazing state of New Mexico has long been named the “ Land of Enchantment .”. And if you’ve got any plans of getting to New Mexico, then it would almost be a crime not to spend a few days or even just drop by in the state’s beautiful capital city of Santa Fe.
Where is the Opera House located?
The opera house is the heart of performing arts in the city of Santa Fe or even in the state of New Mexico.
When is New Mexico free admission?
Note: New Mexico residents have free admission every first Friday of the month.
Is Santa Fe a city of art?
As mentioned endlessly before, and continues to this day, the state of Santa Fe is a city of artistic expression, as well as artistic freedom, mainly because the city is home to numerous art galleri es and museum s.
What is the nightlife scene in Santa Fe?
Cool music, hip cocktails and hot places to see the sunset and relax after hours are all part of Santa Fe's exciting nightlife scene.
Is Santa Fe a good place to bike?
The surrounding mountains and public lands hold an endless variety of trail options with terrain for every skill level making Santa Fe a perfect stepping off point for cycling adventure. Santa Fe's treasure trove of fascinating historic sites includes Native American ruins and the oldest church in the country.
Where to ski in New Mexico?
It may come as a surprise to some visitors, but New Mexico is home to some of the top ski spots in the Southwest. Ski season here usually spans from late fall into early spring, with many resorts seeing up to 300 inches of snow annually. There are four major ski areas that are all within a two-hour drive of Santa Fe. The closest mountains are Ski Santa Fe (about 15 miles northeast of Santa Fe), which is home to 83 trails and 660 acres of terrain; Pajarito Mountain Ski Area (about 40 miles northwest), which features 44 trails and 750 skiable acres; and Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort (about 60 miles northeast), which has more than 40 trails, three terrain parks and 200 skiable acres. Those hoping to tackle a larger mountain with more varied terrain will have to travel a little farther to Taos Ski Valley, which is situated around 88 miles north of Santa Fe and boasts 1,294 acres and 110 trails. All four facilities feature terrain for all skill levels and on-site amenities like bars, restaurants, shops, lessons and more.
What is the Santa Fe Plaza?
Since the city's founding in 1610, the Santa Fe Plaza has been its cultural hub, hosting bullfights and fandangos. Today, surrounded by numerous ancient buildings like the San Miguel Mission and the Palace of the Governors, the plaza continues to be the epicenter of Santa Fean affairs, from live music to September's Santa Fe Fiesta. The plaza, which is a National Historic Landmark, hosts Indian and Spanish markets regularly, in addition to concerts and community gatherings. Any night of the week, the plaza is buzzing with activity with people enjoying restaurants, perusing galleries and checking out souvenir shops. Save a little money to do some trinket shopping while here: Santa Fe Plaza is full of vendors selling authentic Native American crafts, but be wary of the inflated prices.
What is the name of the route that connects Missouri to Santa Fe?
You can learn about the renowned Santa Fe Trail (the 19th-century transportation route connecting Missouri to Santa Fe) and the Museum of New Mexico Press. Constructed in 1610, the Palace of the Governors was the original capitol of New Mexico.
How many pieces of art are there in New Mexico?
TIME TO SPEND. The oldest art museum in the state, the New Mexico Museum of Art is set in a traditional adobe building and home to more than 20,000 pieces of art hailing from the Southwest. Pieces range from drawings, paintings and photographs to more unique displays like prints, textiles and quirky installations.
How many paintings does Georgia O'Keeffe have?
There are approximately 700 drawings, 140 oil paintings, more than 100 watercolors, and multiple casts of three sculptures by O'Keeffe, as well as another 2,000 works by her peers at the museum. The museum spans nine galleries.
What is the first and last stop in Santa Fe?
Santa Fe. Canyon Road, the epicenter of Santa Fe's artistic culture, is the first and last stop for most visitors. But while the commercial galleries and. ... READ MORE. Canyon Road, the epicenter of Santa Fe's artistic culture, is the first and last stop for most visitors.
Why do people wear shoes in the museum?
Many also suggest wearing comfortable shoes because seeing all the exhibits requires a lot of walking.
What is Santa Fe known for?
The history of Santa Fe focused on sheep farming and growing peppers because of the dry climate. Although the industries have expanded to other livestock, including pigs and dairy cattle, you’ll find chilies, cotton, and hay are still part of the usual supply of goods.
What did the early settlers of Santa Fe eat?
It was in the middle of barren country, with 19th century settlers often surviving on onions, red peppers, and mutton.
What is the capital of New Mexico?
Santa Fe serves as the capital of New Mexico. It is the fourth-largest city in the state and has one of the longest full names for a community in the United States today: La Villa Real de la Santa Fe de San Francisco de Asis, or the Royal Town of the Holy Faith of Saint Francis of Assisi. After European settlers came into the region, ...
How long does it take to drive from Albuquerque to the city of Albuquerque?
It’s about 64 miles to drive it, which takes a little more than an hour. There are also shuttles and trains that run between the two communities.
When did the Japanese internment camp open in Santa Fe?
That desolation would lead to the establishment of a Japanese-American internment camp, German and Italian nationals, and the camp remained open until the middle of 1946. Modern Santa Fe is very different, so there are some unique pros and cons to consider before you start living here.
When did Mexico and Spain separate from Texas?
After European settlers came into the region, Spain and Mexico controlled the area until Mexican independence occurred in 1824. When Texas seceded from Mexico in 1836, it attempted to claim Santa Fe and other parts of New Mexico, including the use of a small military expedition, but the Mexican army capture them.
Is Santa Fe a good golf course?
Santa Fe offers several excellent golf courses for those who enjoy the sport. Nearby ski areas provided world-class cross-country trails to use too. It’s all due to the fact that the Sangre de Cristo Mountains are literally minutes away from the downtown center of the city.
What is the most popular food in Santa Fe?
Its warm, meaty stew with roasted green chiles is also superb. The green chile cheeseburger was invented in Santa Fe (there’s even a Green Chile Cheeseburger Trail ).
What is a sopaipilla?
The sopaipilla, a light and airy fried pastry that’s sometimes topped with sugar and served with honey as a dessert, is often served sans sugar in Santa Fe. This fluffy side dish is ideal for sopping up chile sauce or wrapping around tender carne asada. You’ll find sopaipillas as a side dish at many Santa Fe restaurants.
What is New Mexico known for?
Chocolate. New Mexico, and Santa Fe in particular, is also known for its chocolate. Try a chocolate elixir at the Kakawa Chocolate House, which offers eight different flavors of drinking chocolate daily. The bittersweet chile chocolate features fruit overtones and chocolate, agave nectar, ancho chiles, and vanilla.
Where was the green chili cheeseburger invented?
The green chile cheeseburger was invented in Santa Fe (there’s even a Green Chile Cheeseburger Trail ). Second Street Brewery has won the annual Green Chile Cheeseburger Smackdown on multiple occasions, and you’ll find several of the winning burgers on the menu.
Is Santa Fe a margarita capital?
Known as “the Margarita Capital of the World,” Santa Fe takes this libation seriously. If you’re not used to the altitude, residents suggest sticking with just one margarita until you see how it affects you. The altitude tends to amplify the tequila’s effect.
Is chile red or green?
Be prepared to answer the classic New Mexican question: “Red or green?” The chile, which ripens from green to red, is a New Mexican staple. If you’re unsure which to order, try the Christmas, which includes some of both. But beware — because chile creations can be quite spicy, some restaurants post signs stating that if the food is too hot for your taste, your meal will not be refunded. So if you have a low tolerance for spicy foods, consider ordering your chiles on the side. That way you can build up a tolerance for the fiery dishes.
Who is Jill Dutton?
Travel writer and publisher of Evolving Magazine, Jill Dutton caught the train travel bug when she spent three months in Europe with a Eurail pass. Now, she enjoys traveling–and writing about–the U.S. and Canada by train. Readers of her USA by Rail blog have come to expect an intimate look at authentic experiences. As a Kansas City expert, Jill’s travel guide, The Best of Kansas City: 3-Day Itinerary, launched number one in its category on Amazon. Jill is currently writing the first of 12 train travel guides: Ride the Southwest Chief.
Historic and Charming Central Plaza
Rich Local History
- Santa Fe is home to some of the oldest buildings in the continental United States. So much history has happened here, including events from its days as a Spanish colony and as it transitioned into an American city. There are plenty of museums, churches, and interesting stops for the history lover when visiting Santa Fe.
Celebration of Arts and Culture
- Santa Fe is well-known for its celebration of the arts and its many cultural influences. With its Spanish colonial heritage and close proximity to the Mexican border, this little city has been a melting pot of cultures for centuries. Nowadays, you can see how all of these influences come together in the city’s many art galleries, studios, and natio...
Repurposed and Modern Spaces
- Santa Fe does an excellent job repurposing older aspects of the city to better fit in with modern life. One example of this is the Santa Fe Railyard. While you can still take a train from here, it is so much more than the train station that it used to be. Nowadays, this is a cultural center that hosts art exhibitions, live events, innovative dining experiences, and even its own movie theater. The R…
Cross-Cultural Cuisine
- No discussion of Santa Fe is complete without mentioning its mouthwatering local cuisine. With strong Mexican influences and Native American traditions, you can enjoy a tasty mix of cultures right on your plate. One of the iconic parts of many traditional Santa Fe meals is a combination of beans and a signature chili sauce. You will often have to choose your preference when it comes …
Final Thoughts
- Santa Fe has been capturing the hearts of its visitors for centuries, and today is no different. This charming little city has plenty to offer in art, culture, cuisine, and history. Time will fly by as you wander past adobe houses and admire stunning sculptures. Your taste buds will be surprised and satisfied as you taste the local cuisine. There is truly something for everyone in Santa Fe. If you’r…
Overview
Santa Fe is the capital of the U.S. state of New Mexico. With a population of 87,505 at the 2020 census, it is the fourth-largest city in New Mexico. It is also the county seat of Santa Fe County. Its metropolitan area is part of the Albuquerque–Santa Fe–Las Vegas combined statistical area, which had a population of 1,162,523 in 2020. The city was founded in 1610 as the capital of Nuevo …
Etymology
Before European colonization of the Americas, the area Santa Fe occupied between 900 CE and the 1500s was known to the Tewa peoples as Oghá P'o'oge ('white shell water place') and by the Navajo people as Yootó ('bead' + 'water place'). In 1610, Juan de Oñate established the area as Santa Fe de Nuevo México, a province of New Spain. Formal Spanish settlements were developed leading the colonial governor Pedro de Peralta to rename the area La Villa Real de la Santa Fe de …
History
The area of Santa Fe was originally occupied by indigenous Tanoan peoples, who lived in numerous Pueblo villages along the Rio Grande. One of the earliest known settlements in what today is downtown Santa Fe came sometime after 900 CE. A group of native Tewa built a cluster of homes that centered around the site of today's Plaza and spread for half a mile to the south and west; the village was …
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 37.4 sq mi (96.9 km ), of which 37.3 sq mi (96.7 km ) are land and 0.077 sq mi (0.2 km ) (0.21%) is covered by water.
Santa Fe is located at 7,199 feet (2,194 m) above sea level, making it the highest state capital in the United States.
Architectural highlights
• New Mexico State Capitol
• Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi, the mother church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Santa Fe
• Loretto Chapel
• Palace of the Governors
Demographics
As of the 2020 census, there were 87,505 people living in the city, up from 67,947 in 2010, equating to an annual growth of close to 3%. As per the 2010 census, the racial makeup of the city residents was 78.9% White, 2.1% Native American; 1.4% Black, 1.4% Asian; and 3.7% from two or more races. A total of 48.7% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. Non-Hispanic Whites were 46.2% of the population.
Arts and culture
The city is well known as a center for arts that reflect the multicultural character of the city; it has been designated as a UNESCO Creative City in Design, Crafts and Folk Art.
In 2012, the city was listed among the 10 best places to retire in the U.S. by CBS MoneyWatch and U.S. News & World Report.
Government
The city of Santa Fe is a charter city. It is governed by a mayor-council system. The city is divided into four electoral districts, each represented by two councilors. Councilors are elected to staggered four-year terms and one councilor from each district is elected every two years.
The municipal judgeship is an elected position and a requirement of the holder is that they be a member of the state bar. The judge is elected to four-year terms.