Palace of the Governors facts for kids
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Palace of the Governors
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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Palace of the Governors
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| Location | 120 Washington Avenue, Santa Fe, New Mexico |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1610 |
| Architectural style | Territorial Style Pueblo architecture |
| Part of | Santa Fe Historic District (ID73001150) |
| NRHP reference No. | 66000489 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | October 15, 1966 |
| Designated NHL | October 9, 1960 |
| Designated CP | July 23, 1973 |
The Palace of the Governors (which means Governors' Palace in Spanish) is a really old building made of adobe (a type of mud brick). It's located in Santa Fe, New Mexico. This special building was the main government office for New Mexico for hundreds of years! It was built way back in 1610 and served as the capital building until 1901. It's a key part of the Santa Fe Historic District and sits right by the Santa Fe Plaza.
Contents
History of the Palace
Building the Palace
In 1610, Pedro de Peralta became the new governor of Santa Fe de Nuevo México. This area covered much of what is now the American Southwest. Governor Peralta started building the Palace of the Governors. Some historians think construction might have started a bit later, around 1618.
Changing Hands and Leaders
Over the years, the Palace saw many changes as the control of New Mexico shifted.
- In 1680, the Pueblo Revolt happened. This was when the Pueblo people took control.
- The Spanish returned and regained control between 1693 and 1694.
- In 1821, Mexico became independent from Spain.
- In 1848, New Mexico became a territory of the United States.
- Finally, in 1912, New Mexico became a US state.
The Palace was first the government center for the Spanish colony of Nuevo Mexico. This huge area once included parts of today's Texas, Arizona, Utah, Colorado, Nevada, and New Mexico. After Mexico won its independence, the Palace became the center for the Mexican province of Santa Fe de Nuevo México. When the U.S. took over, it served as New Mexico's first territorial capital.
Famous Writer in the Palace
A famous writer named Lew Wallace lived in the Palace. He was the territorial governor in the late 1870s. He wrote the final parts of his famous book, Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ, right here. He later remembered writing some important scenes late at night during a big thunderstorm in 1879. He was even worried about safety because of a local conflict called the Lincoln County War.
Restoring the Historic Building
By the early 1900s, the Palace of the Governors needed a lot of repairs. In 1909, a scientist named Dr. Edgar Lee Hewett asked a young archaeologist, Jesse L. Nusbaum, to help. Jesse Nusbaum worked to restore the Palace, finishing in 1913. He was the first person hired by the new Museum of New Mexico. Nusbaum believed the Palace's design fit perfectly with the land around it, saying it "had been fitted into the color of earth and sky."
From Government to Museum
In 1909, the New Mexico government created the Museum of New Mexico. For many years, the Palace of the Governors was home to the state history museum. In 2009, a new building, the New Mexico History Museum, opened next to the Palace. Now, the Palace is one of eight museums managed by the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs.
National Recognition
The Palace of the Governors is so important that it was named a National Historic Landmark in 1960. This means it's a place with special historical value to the entire country.
To celebrate its history, the United States Postal Service even put the Palace on a special turquoise stamp in 1960. This stamp came out on the opening day of Santa Fe's 350th anniversary celebration!
See also
In Spanish: Palacio de los Gobernadores para niños
- Oldest buildings in the United States
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Santa Fe County, New Mexico
- List of National Historic Landmarks in New Mexico
