Founded in 1610 as the capital of Nuevo México, a province of New Spain, Santa Fe is the oldest state capital in the United States and the earliest European settlement west of the Mississippi River.

Santa Fe's History. Thirteen years before Plymouth Colony was settled by the Mayflower Pilgrims, Santa Fe, New Mexico, was established with a small cluster of European type dwellings. It would soon become the seat of power for the Spanish Empire north of the Rio Grande.

3 days ago · Santa Fe, capital of New Mexico, U.S., and seat (1852) of Santa Fe county, in the north-central part of the state, on the Santa Fe River. It lies in the northern Rio Grande valley at 6,996 feet (2,132 metres) above sea level, at the foot of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

History & Culture. For 400+ years, Santa Fe has improved with age. The nation's oldest capital city experienced waves of migrations along the three trails that led here—and more recently via the rails, Route 66 and the interstate.

Santa Fe is the oldest capital city and the second-oldest surviving city founded by European colonists on land that later became part of the United States. The city has been the capital of: State of New Mexico since 1912. The original Santa Fe would soon become the seat of power for the Spanish Empire north of the Rio Grande.

The following is a timeline of the history of the city of Santa Fe, New Mexico, US. 900 — Tewa people found a village (called Oghá P'o'oge in Tewa [a]) along the Santa Fe River, then navigable, and near the eventual siting of the Spanish plaza. 1200 — Coloradan Tewa migrate to the region as part of the Pueblo IV Era sociopolitical shifts.

Explore ancient Native American ruins filled with petroglyphs or a living history museum devoted to Spanish Colonial life. Visit centuries-old adobe and European-style churches. Ride a historic working railroad or enjoy the unique architecture of downtown Santa Fe.

Nov 4, 2024 · As the oldest capital city in the nation, you'd expect Santa Fe to have a storied history. Read on to learn how an old settlement morphed into a thriving city.

Feb 11, 2025 · The rich history of Santa Fe provides the foundation for the website through videos and blogs, while providing useful information for visitors and locals alike as they explore the city through the Santa Fe 101 Guide.

The city's rich heritage is a fabric of many cultural strands,from ancient Pueblo traditions and Spanish Colonial roots to a blend of influences from around the world, creating a vibrant tapestry of diversity. It's unfurled across thousands of years. Give yourself a little time to explore it.