Santa Fe

Santa Fe (pop. 117,043), capital of New Mexico and seat of Santa Fe County, in the north-central part of the state on the Santa Fe River. The elevation of about 7,000 ft (11,265 km) above sea level provides a bracing climate. Tourism is the major source of income, with the Spanish colonial architecture and numerous cultural attractions drawing many visitors. Santa Fe was founded in 1609–10 as capital of the large but unsettled Spanish territory known as New Mexico. It was under Spanish and Mexican authority until the Mexican War, after which it was ceded to the United States (1846). In the 19th century it was the western terminus of the important wagon route known as the Santa Fe Trail.

See also: New Mexico.