Santa Fe Plaza facts for kids
|
Santa Fe Plaza
|
|
|
U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
|
Santa Fe Plaza in 2006
|
|
 Location in New Mexico
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | Santa Fe Plaza, Santa Fe, New Mexico |
|---|---|
| Area | 2 acres (0.81 ha) |
| Built | 1821 |
| Part of | Santa Fe Historic District (ID73001150) |
| NRHP reference No. | 66000491 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
|
| Added to NRHP | October 15, 1966 |
| Designated NHL | December 19, 1960 |
| Designated CP | July 23, 1973 |
The Santa Fe Plaza is a National Historic Landmark in downtown Santa Fe, New Mexico in the style of traditional Spanish-American colonial cities. The plaza, or city square, was originally, and is still to this day, the center gathering place in town. Many know it as "the heart of Santa Fe". The landmark has since grown into a playground for many tourists interested in Spanish, Native American, and Mexican cultures, and includes music, design, jewelry, art and dance. It is home to annual events including Fiestas de Santa Fe, the Spanish Market, the Santa Fe Bandstand, and the Santa Fe Indian Market.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the plaza consists of a central park lined with grass, trees, and benches. During Christmas time, the plaza is decorated with farolitos, luminarias, and trees lights. The park also includes a performing arts stage.
Historical context
Santa Fe Plaza has been the commercial, social and political center of Santa Fe since c. 1610 when it was established by Don Pedro de Peralta. The original Plaza was a presidio (fort) 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 1822 the famed Santa Fe Trail, a trade route from New Mexico to St. Louis, was opened with its terminus in the Plaza. Today the Plaza is ringed by structures in the Pueblo, Spanish and Territorial styles that reflect its diverse 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.
The Plaza is Santa Fe’s historic, cultural and geographic center. In the early days, it was found at the end of El Camino Real (the Spanish Royal Road from Mexico City), the Santa Fe Trail, and the Old Pecos Trail. Today, the Plaza is surrounded by restaurants, shops and museums and it serves as a gathering place for both locals and tourists. Many seasonal community events are held at the Plaza, and it is then filled to capacity with people enjoying the magic that is 'The City Different'.
Observations
The Santa Fe Plaza is a relatively small urban park, visited by 100,000 visitors annually. It is used for over a half-dozen events per year, drawing another 25,000 people and causing considerable impact on the plaza landscape.
Images for kids
-
View of Santa Fe Plaza in the 1850s, painting by Gerald Cassidy, c. 1930
See also
In Spanish: Santa Fe Plaza para niños
