NMCentennialBlueBook

140
STATE CAPITOLS
The Land of Enchantment's Reflection of Beauty and Diversity
Like the history of the state, the history of the capitol buildings in New Mexico is rich
with diversity, controversy, and even mystery. Disagreements on their location, periods
of occupation by the Pueblo and later the Confederate Army, and an unsolved fire have
added to this colorful story. A significant aspect of this history is that New Mexico claims
the distinction of having the oldest and the newest state capitol buildings in the United
States.
THE PALACE OF THE GOVERNORS
Built in 1610 by Spanish Governor, Don Pedro Peralta, this was the first major building
in the new city of La Villa de Santa Fe. It is considered to be the oldest public building
in continuous use in the United States. It was the seat of government for nearly three
centuries and was used by three countries—Spain, Mexico, and the United States.
The Palace of the Governors was occupied by the Pueblo Indians after their ouster of
the Spanish in 1680, and later for less than a month by the confederate Army in 1862.
The Palace of the Governors was part of a larger complex known as the Casa Reales, or
royal houses. It has been known as the Palacio Real (Royal Palace), and El Palacio (The
Palace).
In 1850, the first session of the Territorial Legislature reaffirmed Santa Fe as the capitol
and petitioned the U.S. Congress for funds to build a new capitol building to replace the
Palace of the Governors. Hampered by the Civil War and shortages in funding, work on
the building was slow and by the time it was completed it was abandoned as a capitol
building.
The Palace of the Governors, 1610-1886, 1892-1900
Photo Courtesy: Museum of New Mexico, Negative 15376, ca. 1881