Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range

This town's mesmerizing architecture and appealing lifestyle is enhanced by a vast amount of National Forest that surrounds the city. This allows visitors the opportunity to see some of the most spectacular views in the nation. Adobe structures inhabit the town and portray its strong Spanish background. Some of these Adobe homes can sell for upwards of one million dollars. The cause for the high cost of real estate is due to Santa Fe's 'new age' atmosphere and recognition as a fashionable place. Santa Fe's culture is diverse and alive and this is apparent in the town's events and attractions. The main attraction and the lifeline for the economy is Santa Fe arts scene. People from around the country are being drawn by the advantages of living in Santa Fe, this is due to a better quality of life - clean air, warm climate, low unemployment rate and a diverse culture - both Native American and Hispanic. Museums in the area feature both art and historical themes associated with the town. Annual events, such as the Santa Fe Indian Market, brings visitors and helps support local businesses. Santa Fe's geographical location offers the best of both worlds with its picturesque deserts and towering Rocky Mountains. Excellent ski locations, such as the Angel Fire Ski Resort and Ski Sante Fe, can be found in the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range.

History and Economy

Nearly a thousand years ago Native Americans were the sole occupants of Santa Fe. Today, many cultures have come together to form this town, including Pueblo Indians, Spanish and Americans. During the 1500s, Spanish colonialism was at its peak and the Spanish were traveling to Santa Fe in an attempt to convert the Pueblo Indians to Catholicism - an estimated two thousand were converted. As a result, Santa Fe was chosen as a provincial capital in 1609 and is the oldest state capital in the United States. The Pueblos revolted in 1680 and drove over two thousand Spanish out of Santa Fe, but in 1691 the Spanish returned and re-established the city, conquering the Pueblos. Don Diego de Vargas, a man who promised to take over New Mexico peacefully, aided this conquest of the state capital, and the Palace of the Governors was erected as Spain's seat of government. Diego entered New Mexico along with his soldiers and Franciscan priests and threatened the Pueblo Indians, which resulted in the Pueblos surrendering. Fiestas de Santa Fe is a memorial for Diego and celebration of this 'peaceful' conquest.

Local Church in Santa Fe

In 1821, Mexico won its independence from Spain and this led to commerce being initiated with the United States. William Becknell built the thousand-mile Santa Fe Trail, which allowed trading between Western Missouri and Santa Fe. Farmers in the area were unhappy with Mexican rule and revolted in 1837. The farmers burnt down houses and the Mission of San Miguel of Santa Fe but left the Palace of the Governors standing. The outcome of their displeasure was the murder of New Mexico's provincial governor and is known today as the Chimayó Rebellion. New Mexico officially became a state in 1912 and artists came to Santa Fe to take advantage of the local beauty, architecture and ambience.

People began to populate Santa Fe in the 1900s because of its warm climate, prominence and reputation. The economy continues to run on Santa Fe's strong cultural and artistic backbone, its culture has incorporated many jobs for artists, shop owners, museums and the travel industry. Santa Fe has one of the largest art markets in the world and is recognized for its historical background and intriguing designs. Visitors come to Santa Fe for another reason, its tranquility. Santa Fe is known for being relaxed, pleasurable and exotic, offering many popular museums and attractions. Discover their history by visiting the historic and informative Museum of New Mexico, which showcases local history and native culture.

Climate

Santa Fe suffers a misconception for being swelteringly hot, and consisting of cumbersome deserts and dreary cactus trees. The truth about Santa Fe is that it lies at an elevation of 7,000 feet above sea level and situated in the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range of the Rocky Mountains. The average temperature during the winter months is 30 degrees Fahrenheit (-1 degrees Celsius), while the summer months can reach a high of 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius). The annual rainfall is 14 inches. The air is dry due to the city's distance from any large body of water. Visitors traveling from locations on the coast will notice a change in both pressure, due to the high elevation, and humidity. Outdoor activities can be enjoyed through out the year. Rivers and lakes are perfect for beating the summer heat. During the winter up to 30 inches of snow can fall, which is ideal for the local ski resorts.

Transportation

Santa Fe Municipal Airport is located nine miles south west of the town. Travelers may prefer to travel via the larger Albuquerque International Sunport Airport, since this airport is connected to more major cities. Traveling by car from the Albuquerque International Airport to Santa Fe is made relatively easy by Interstate 25. Many other transportation options are available from the airport, including shuttle bus, taxicab, chartered van, limousine and rental vehicle. Greyhound offers daily trips to Albuquerque, with connections to all major destinations. The town's main source for inner city transit is by bus; all ten bus routes are serviced by the Santa Fe Trails Transit System. Amtrak provides train service throughout New Mexico, including Santa Fe and connects various states and cities across North America.

Attractions

	An Authentic Adobe Structure

When the Spanish returned to Santa Fe to conquer the Pueblo Indians in 1691, they took the Palace of the Governors, which was established for the Spanish Government. Today, the palace stands as a museum and in 1960 the palace was designated as a Registered National Historical Landmark. The building was built in 1610 and is an authentic Adobe structure. It is also the oldest continuously used public building in the nation. Located inside the palace are chronicles and documents of the cities historical events, mainly from the colonial period. There are over 15,000 catalogued items, each encompassing a part of the Spanish Colonial Era. In 1970, donations were made from the Historical Society of New Mexico, who had been collecting artifacts since its inception in the 1800s. Featured in the Palace of the Governors is the Fray Angélico Chávez Library. The main duty of the library is to preserve historical materials that document New Mexico's history. The general public is welcome to visit and tour the palace's artifacts.

San Miguel built the Chapel of San Miguel, which was used to convert the Indians to Catholicism. The church was established in 1610 but was destroyed during the rebellion of 1680. After the destruction the only items left standing were the strong and sturdy adobe walls. In 1710, the entire church was rebuilt; this reconstruction included a sculpture of San Miguel and in 1859 Archbishop Lamy and the Christian Brothers of Santa Fe purchased the chapel. The chapel then stood as part of Saint Michael's College. The chapel features an anteroom with a bell, which was cast in Spain during the 1300s. The bells original location was in the churches of Spain and Mexico. Today, the mission stands as one of America's oldest churches and is decorated with priceless ornaments and paintings. A six minute continuous audio presentation is featured in the chapel, audio tours are available from May through to October.

Museum enthusiasts should not miss the Museum of International Folk Art, which showcases over 120,000 objects. The museum's extensive collection makes it the largest international folk art museum in the world. The building is divided into a variety of wings or categories, which allows for easy navigation through the many diverse items. The origins of the items are from numerous continents and cultures. The museum's four main categories are the Spanish Colonial Collections, Contemporary Southwestern Hispanic Art, International Textiles and Costume Collection and the International Collection of Folk Object. These categories are divided into the wings of the building. Exhibitions are constantly changing, while permanent exhibitions are also featured. Each wing is intended to enhance awareness of the culture. The museum provides a collection of art from over 100 nations, including the local area.

Part of Santa Fe's history revolves around the involvement of the Pueblo Indians. Today, Pueblo Indian Communities are called Pueblos. New Mexico features nineteen Indian Pueblos of which eight are located near Santa Fe. These astonishing communities offer visitors the opportunity to participate and understand the native culture of the area. Discover the traditions these amazing groups of people have been performing since the dawn of their inception. Pueblos offer a variety of public shows to better educate visitors; this includes special dances, feast days and various ceremonies. Each community is unique and offers its own diverse attractions and traditions.

Art Designs Created by Native Americans

The Nambe Pueblo is located at the Nambe Falls and features dancers, storytellers and artists, who gather near the mist of the falls. Traditional feasts are performed each Friday from May through to September. The tribe is part of a thriving cottage industry and produces fine pottery, jewelry, clothing and beadwork. Picuris is located in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and governed by a tribal council. Attractions of the tribe consist of a tribally owned restaurant, museum and gift shop. Located on 13,000 acres is the Pueblo of Pojoaque, which was established in 900 AD. The tribe performs traditional dances, singing and costume making. Situated 24-miles northwest of Santa Fe is the San Ildefonso Pueblo, which means, "Where the water cuts through". The tribe is famous for being the home of Maria Martinez, who creatred black on black pottery. Examples of her pottery can be seen in the Pueblo museum. The San Juan Pueblo is recognized for being the largest tribe, with over two thousand tribe members. The tribe's traditions are evident in their spiritual dances and prayers in motion.

The Santa Clara pueblo is found 20 miles north of Santa Fe on 45,824 acres of land. Located in the community are the extraordinary Puye Cliff Dwellings, which is a National Historic Landmark. Found at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains is the Taos Pueblo, which was built in the 17th century. This area was used as a trading center when the Europeans first visited and are known for resisting Spanish colonization. The last tribe located near Santa Fe is the Indian community of Tesuque, which was established in 1694. Most of the houses in the village are being restored to preserve their natural heritage. The restoration process aids the village by creating jobs. All the tribes are worth the short drive from Santa Fe, as they are sure to entertain and educate.

Located in the downtown is The Oldest House in the city that is considered to be the earliest remaining house in Santa Fe and was designed with authentic Adobe architecture. Found in the establishment are the remains of a famous Spanish warrior. Legends say that the warrior was killed in the 1600s by two witches who occupied the home. Situated across from The Oldest House is the Chapel of San Miguel, which is the oldest church in Santa Fe. The church was built in 1626 but was destroyed in the Pueblo revolt. Today, the church stands in Saint Michael's College and is a spectacular sight.