Serving as the historic heart of New Mexico, the Santa Fe Plaza remains a key physical, cultural, and economic landmark within the southwestern state.

The Santa Fe Plaza is a product of Spanish colonialism within the Southwest region. During the winter of 1609, New Mexico's third Spanish Governor, Don Pedro de Peralta, established a small fort and government building in the area where the plaza now sits. As the threat of native attacks diminished, the plaza began to take on a more social and economic role and eventually locals demolished the walls to make way for homes and businesses. By 1822, the Plaza served as the western terminus of the famed Santa Fe Trail extending from St. Louis Missouri to New Mexico.

When Mexico gained independence from Spain, Spanish trade restrictions disappeared allowing American traders and colonists to move into the area further increasing the economic importance of the Plaza and the city of Santa Fe.

During the Mexican-American War, General Stephen Watts Kearny raised the American flag over the plaza after defeating the city's Mexican defenders. The region officially became part of the United States after the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo in 1848 and 64 years later New Mexico became America's 47th state, with Santa Fe as its capital.

Today the Plaza still serves as the political and cultural center of New Mexico and visitors will find a unique blend of native, Spanish and American influences among the landmark's local native artisans, businesses, and historic sites.