In 1695, Governor Diego de Vargas founded Santa Cruz de la Cañada, his first town, to protect the Spanish frontier north of Santa Fe. He founded it south of the Santa Cruz River, and the town was later moved to this site north of the river. The church facing the plaza, which still stands, dates from the 1730s. Santa Cruz was an important stop on the Camino Real between Santa Fe and Taos. In 1837, residents revolted against Mexican authorities, resulting in the death of Governor Albino Pérez.

Photo: Bill Kirchner

Photo: Bill Kirchner

Photo: Bill Kirchner

Photo: Bill Kirchner

Photo: Bill Kirchner