| What makes it historical? |
While establishing a provincial capital during the winter of 1609, Don Pedro de Peralta needed three things: a residence for officials, a plaza for commerce, and a wall to protect the first two things! As the town expanded, the wall came down, and commerce went up! The Santa Fe Plaza was the main hub of commerce, society, and defense!
That defense strategy was tested during the Pueblo Revolt of 1680, which effectively kicked the Spanish out of New Mexico territory for 12 years! After regaining Santa Fe, though, the Spanish returned their plaza to its commercial purposes.
By 1821, when Mexico won its independence from the Spanish Empire, a new system of commerce, the Santa Fe Trail, opened up the city gates, bringing trade with the twenty-three United States! Here, wagons would unload for customs inspections after their 8-10-week journeys west! This would continue until 1846 when the USA, now with five more states under its belt, took control of New Mexico Territory and brought an end to the Santa Fe Trail.
Today, the Santa Fe Plaza is still a commercial center, surrounded by shops and restaurants, and venue for concerts, festivals, and markets! They also put on a lovely light display that lasts well beyond Christmas! |
