Santa Fe Historic Plaza

The plaza has seen everything from gunfights and hangings to bullfights and political rallies. The old adobe buildings proudly show their age and the architecure unique to this capital city. It was founded in 1680 by Spaniards who were later driven out by the Pueblo people who have lived in the area for 2,000 years. The city's name has been shortened from its' original La Villa Real de la Santa Fe de San Francisco de Asisi (the Royal City of the Holy Faith of St. Francis of Assisi).
The Palace of the Governors in the plaza is the oldest public building in the US (1610?) and has the distinction of being the seat of 4 regional governments - those of Spain, Mexico, the Confederacy, and the US Territory.