Santa Fe 400th Anniversary ~ American Era - Community Commemoration on Waymarking.com

Everything changed in Santa Fe on August 18, 1846. General Stephen Watts Kearny marched into the Plaza with his American Army of the West. He was graciously, if sadly, welcomed by the acting governor Juan Batista Vigil y Alarid. Santa Fe was from this day forward to be part of the United States of America. The general's well-received "Kearny Code" served as the basis of law until a new government could be formulated under U.S. jurisdiction.

By the time Kearny and his troops arrived, Santa Feans had already been trading with the Americanos for over two decades via the Santa Fe Trail. Now new merchants and commercial interests would establish themselves on the Plaza bringing more opportunity and prosperity to the population. Mercantile interests from New York City and St. Louis were among the first to arrive to set up successful businesses on the Plaza.

In 1850 the U.S. Congress made New Mexico a territory of the United States with Santa Fe as its capital city. Santa Fe would remain the capital when New Mexico achieved statehood on January 6, 1912.

In the twentieth century Santa Fe became one of the world's most popular travel destinations. Its vibrant arts community, beautiful natural surroundings and exotic cultures attract visitors year round.

Plaque donated by:

• Artistic Photograph of Location. Make it from a new angle to show something new. Pictures can include interaction, as that is encouraged, but should be done so with the thought of inspiring further visitation of the area. No GPSr Pictures, unless there is something significant to show about the coordinates.
• In your description, tell us something new you learned about the area and your impressions of the waymark.