BigDaddyData.Com: New Mexico Santa Fe

{san'-tuh fay}

    Santa Fe is a city in north central New Mexico, the state capital and the seat of Santa Fe County. The city has a population of 55,859 (1990 census). Located along the Santa Fe River, Santa Fe is surrounded by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and lies at an elevation of about 2,131 m (6,990 ft). The city's rich historic past and its blend of Indian, Spanish, and American cultures, as well as the dry, sunny climate, make year-round tourism a major industry. The Los Alamos National Laboratory, several national monuments, and the Pueblo Indian reservations, including that of the Taos Indians, are nearby. A number of museums preserve the city's Indian and Spanish heritage. The Palace of Governors (built 1609-10) is one of the city's many museums, housing a collection of southwestern art, archaeology, and anthropology. The nationally known Santa Fe Opera performs in its open-air theater from June through August.

    Santa Fe was founded in 1609 by the Spaniard Don Pedro de Peralta as the administrative and missionary center of a large Spanish-controlled region. Following a revolt in 1680, the Pueblo Indians occupied the city until it was retaken (1692) by the Spanish.

    As the western terminus of the Santa Fe Trail, the city became an important commercial center after Mexican independence from Spain in 1821. During the Mexican War, Santa Fe was occupied (1846) by U.S. troops under Gen. Stephen W. Kearny. When the U.S. Territory of New Mexico was organized in 1850, Santa Fe became its capital, retaining that status when New Mexico entered (1912) the Union.