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Spanish control was reestablished in 1692. Ten years before Plymouth Colony was founded by the Mayflower Pilgrims, Santa Fe was established as the seat of power of the Spanish Empire North of the Rio Grande River. From the 1820's to 1870's, the Santa Fe Trail brought supplies by wagon from Independence, Missouri, until the railroad arrived in 1879. After the war with Mexico in 1846, the land became a territory of the United States. Santa Fe is the oldest capital city in the United States, the 2nd oldest city in the U.S., and the oldest European community in the U.S. West of the Mississippi. Santa Fe, meaning 'Holy Faith', remained the capital city of New Mexico after statehood was gained in 1912. Although only having a population of 70,000, the city's rich cultural history, combined with the well-known arts community and Southwest Pueblo-style architecture, help make Santa Fe a popular tourist spot.

Activities: High Points to see are the Plaza with sales of Indian jewelry and crafts, Palace of the Governors, Georgia O'Keeffe Museum, the Loretto Chapel with the miraculous spiral staircase, other Museums and Art Galleries.