Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe (Spanish for holy faith) is our highest (7,199 ft. elevation) and oldest capital (founded in 1610 in Nuevo Mexico) Before railroads, Santa Fe was a vital travel hub, both for civilians and military. After the Mexican-American War treaty was signed, the United States acquired what is now considered New Mexico, Arizona, California, Nevada and Utah – in addition to parts of Colorado, Wyoming, Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas. Santa Fe was the gateway to explore the new Southwestern Territory.

: Sticking to these routes was the safest passage, both for terrain and Native American attacks.

: High traffic in Santa Fe meant booming business for decades.

: Opened in 1603, back when you bartered with hides.

: St. Francis of Assissi is the predominant statue in town.

: San Miguel, the archangel.

: Meet Ethyl, the size of an actual Blue Whale, but made from recycled plastic. Every 9 minutes, 300,000 lbs. of plastic (the weight of a Blue Whale) makes its way into the ocean.

: Famous native New Mexican Georgia O’Keefe has a stunning gallery in Santa Fe. She thought the form and color of flowers more important than the literal subject matter.

: Georgia O’Keefe: “I know now that most people are so closely concerned with themselves that they are not aware of their own individuality, I can see myself, and it has helped me to say what I want to say in paint.”