When was the Santa Fe plaza built?

After his term, colonial governor Don Pedro de Peralta founded the second capital of New Mexico at Santa Fe in 1610. Once they arrived and chose the site, the Spanish built a walled fort and village at their new capital, which included a central plaza. This early fort plaza is the historic Santa Fe Plaza today. read more

In 1822 the famed Santa Fe Trail, a trade route from New Mexico to St. Louis, Missouri, 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. read more

Eventually the wall gave way to large houses built by high-ranking Spanish officers and politicians. In 1822, the famed Santa Fe Trail, a trade route from St. Louis, Missouri to New Mexico, ended at the Plaza. The"End of the Santa Fe Trail” marker (placed by the Daughters of American Revolution) is on the southeast corner of the Plaza. read more

La Fonda on the Plaza holds a coveted place in Santa Fe history, a component in a rich tapestry of hospitality that predates American independence. City records indicate that La Fonda sits on the site of the town's first inn, established when the city was founded by Spaniards in 1607, making our property the oldest hotel corner in America. read more