This Quintessential New Mexico House Is One Of The Oldest In The Whole Nation
Santa Fe is a city of old. Officially settled in 1609, it is the oldest capital city in North America. The San Miguel Chapel is the nation’s oldest church. Along with the church, a tiny adobe on De Vargas Street is said to be the Oldest House. Whatever the building’s claim to fame, it has a long and curious history.
Today, the west part of the structure is the "Oldest House" museum while the east side houses a gift shop.
Shown above is a detail from the 1822 "bird's eye view" map of Santa Fe. To the right of the Oldest House (marked), you'll see the San Miguel Mission and St. Michael's "College" (a school set up by Bishop Lamy).
The barrio was established across the Santa Fe River from the main Santa Fe settlement. The San Miguel Mission was built by the Tlaxcalans, under the direction of Franciscan friars, to serve the Indians and others who lived in the barrio.
Above is how the building looked around 1885 when it was photographed by Santa Fe photographer Dana Chase.
The "Christian Brothers" started St. Michael's College. Today the Brothers' legacy is known as St. Michael's High School.
As well as Tlaxcala Indians, the building housed soldiers' families, Christian Brothers, and various Plains Indians. The house was even a short-term house for a territorial governor.
Modern Pueblo Revival homes take their cue from structures like the Oldest House. Standout carry-over features include thick adobe-style walls, kiva fireplaces, built-in banco benches, viga and latilla ceilings, and plaster walls.
Have you been to the Oldest House? Do you think you could have lived there? Tell us what you think in the comments.
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