Discover the 4 Oldest Cities in New Mexico

If we go back to when the first European settlers arrived in the Americas, we will find that St. Augustine, Florida, is the oldest city in the country, founded in 1565 by the Spanish. Shortly after that, the first colony at Jamestown was founded in 1607. But New Mexico’s territory was colonized in 1598 by Juan de Oñate from Mexico (his parents were Spanish colonists). And not long after, the first city was founded. Discover the four oldest cities in New Mexico and learn about their histories and notable facts.

1. Santa Fe (1610)

The city of Santa Fe was settled in 1610 by the Spanish Conquistador Don Pedro de Peralta. It is the oldest capital city in the country, with a history dating back thousands of years.

©Sean Pavone/Shutterstock.com

Santa Fe was first inhabited in 1607 and settled in 1610 by the Conquistador Don Pedro de Peralta. Not only is it the oldest city in New Mexico, but Santa Fe is also the oldest capital city in the United States.

But Santa Fe’s history actually dates back 200 years before the area was claimed. The Pueblo Native Americans established villages as late as 1150. The Spanish conquistador Don Francisco Vasques de Coronado claimed the “Kingdom of New Mexico” in 1540. And by 1598, Don Juan de Onate was the first governor, establishing his capital city in San Juan Pueblo. The capital city was moved to Santa Fe when Onate’s predecessor, Don Pedro de Peralta, became the new governor.

Before New Mexico became a state in 1912, the area saw times of war and conflict, including the Mexican-American War. But today, Santa Fe draws people from all over the world for its dry climate, art, and culture.

2. Taos (1615)

The Taos Pueblo is both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Historic Landmark, which sets it apart from other Native American communities. It is the oldest continuously inhabited community in the United States.

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Located in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Taos Pueblo is one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the country. It was first built between 1000 and 1450 AD by the Pueblo people. But Taos wasn’t officially established until 1615, after the conquest of the Pueblo villages. 

The peace did not last long. The native people held resentment, which led to a revolt in 1640. And Taos Pueblo joined the Pope’s Rebellion in 1680, leading a resistance against Spanish colonizers until their defeat in 1696. But the violence didn’t stop there. In the late 1700s, Taos was targeted through raids by the Comanche tribes. Eventually, a fortified plaza was erected, and adobe-style homes were built around it.

Taos is still a small community today, but also a tourist area. People can pay to visit historical sites, such as the Taos Plaza, the Governor’s House, and Our Lady of Guadalupe Church.

3. Albuquerque (1706)

Albuquerque was founded in 1706 by Spanish colonists. But the area of the Rio Grande Valley has had inhabitants since 2,000 BC.

©Sean Pavone/Shutterstock.com

While the Rio Grande Valley was populated as far back as 2,000 BC, the Spanish explorers didn’t arrive in the area known today as Albuquerque until 1540. The explorers were under the leadership of General Francisco de Coronado, and they traveled deep into the land’s river valleys. Spain’s King Philip allowed a group of colonists to establish a villa on the Rio Grande’s river banks. Albuquerque’s location was specifically chosen at the foot of the mountains to offer protection from the natives nearby. The city was founded in 1706, and the first building erected was a small adobe chapel.

This small town grew into a major city in the Southwest, which is a leader in tech and research. Albuquerque is also known for its rich culture, history, and traditions. 

4. Silver City (1870)

Silver City was established as a mining town in 1870. It is notable for its violent past and run-ins with notorious outlaws.

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Originally inhabited by the Apache, the area became established as a copper mining site with the Spaniard’s arrival. But the town didn’t gain traction until after the Civil War when American prospectors flocked to the area. Silver City was founded in 1870, gaining its name from the nearby hill that contained silver ore deposits. 

What started as a tent city soon became a bustling Old West town, with notorious visitors, such as Billy the Kid and Butch Cassidy, to its saloons. But the town had a wave of violent crime soon after its founding, from American outlaws and gunfighters to confrontations with the Apache tribes.

Despite its dark past, Silver City in modern times has a thriving downtown with a focus on art. The city is also home to a long list of famous and notable people throughout history.

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