Jeff Bingaman United States Senator from New Mexico

WASHINGTON – The New Mexico delegation today introduced a Congressional Resolution that recognizes Santa Fe’s historical significance as it celebrates its 400^th anniversary. 

Rep. Ben Ray Luján introduced the resolution in the House of Representatives, with Reps. Martin Heinrich and Harry Teague as cosponsors.  Senators Jeff Bingaman and Tom Udall introduced the same measure in the Senate. 

“New Mexicans know how lucky we are to be home to Santa Fe and all its treasures. That is why I am proud to introduce this resolution with the entire New Mexico delegation calling on Congress and the people of the United States to recognize the historical significance of this special place,” Bingaman said.

“As the oldest capital city in the U.S., Santa Fe is steeped in a rich history, treasured by its residents and celebrated by visitors from around the world,” said Udall.  “It gives me great pleasure to honor the City Different’s history by introducing this resolution with Senator Bingaman.”

“Congratulations to the City of Santa Fe on its 400^th anniversary,” said Luján. “The history of the city is marked with important cultural, economic and social achievements that have contributed greatly to our state and our country. It is my honor to recognize Santa Fe for this important milestone.”

“As the oldest capital city in North America, Santa Fe is nationally known for its rich cultural heritage, diversity, and picturesque surrounding wilderness. I join my fellow New Mexicans in celebrating the city of Santa Fe’s 400th Anniversary—remembering our past is the key to a brighter, more prolific future,” Heinrich said.

“Santa Fe has flourished as a city with rich cultural diversity and heritage for 400 years,” said Teague.  “This anniversary recognizes our state’s capital city the oldest in our nation and I am proud to join my colleagues in celebrating this historic occasion.”

The resolution is as follows:

Whereas, before 1598 the Pueblos of the Rio Grande region of New Mexico inhabited the area now officially known as Santa Fe;

Whereas, from the first arrival of Spanish colonists in August of 1598, the Pueblos of the Rio Grande and adjoining regions of New Mexico provided support and sustenance to those colonists, which allowed the colonists to persevere at San Gabriel del Yunque, the first villa and capital of New Mexico located in the pueblo lands of Ohkay Owingeh;

Whereas, on March 30, 1609, the Viceroy of New Spain, Luis de Velasco II, upon receiving a royal proclamation from the King of Spain and Captain General of New Mexico, ordered Governor Pedro de Peralta to arrive in New Mexico before the end of 1609 and establish a villa at the site of what is now Santa Fe;

Whereas, some 70 years following the establishment of the Villa of Santa Fe, the Pueblos took up arms and forced the inhabitants of the villa to retreat to El Paso de Guadalupe in what was then Mexico;

Whereas, in 1692, the Spanish colonists began a return to the villa which, although initially peaceful, resulted in several armed conflicts lasting through 1696;

Whereas, following the repopulation of Santa Fe and reinstitution of  the Spanish government in New Mexico, the Pueblos and Spanish colonists found ways to engage in mutual cultural interchange;

Whereas, over the following years, and despite intermittent disputes, the colonists and the descendants of the colonists formed alliances with the Pueblos and each accommodated the culture of the other, allowing Santa Fe to flourish;

Whereas, the peaceful acceptance of each other’s cultures continued through the conquest of New Mexico by the United States during the war with Mexico, contributed to the evolution of the cultural heritage of Santa Fe, and resulted in the recognition by the State and Federal governments of the sovereign rights of the Pueblos, including their rights to self-government;

Whereas, during 2009 and 2010, Santa Fe will proudly observe the 400th anniversary of its settlement and subsequent founding as a villa and the multicultural heritage of the city with suitable events and observances to commemorate the occasion and to pass on to future generations the heritage of Santa Fe and the surrounding region; and

Whereas, it is important that the commemoration provide a foundation for peace, hope and collaboration for Santa Fe and its surrounding communities, and a foundation to move forward as a flagship community within the State of New Mexico: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Senate—

(1) recognizes the historical significance of the city of Santa Fe, New Mexico;

(2) recognizes the 400th anniversary of the establishment of Santa Fe; and

(3) encourages the people of the United States to observe the anniversary with appropriate ceremonies and activities.