Discovering the “City Different”

As a museum curator with a passion for history and a penchant for family-friendly travel, I was thrilled to embark on the Santa Fe History Tour with Ana Pacheco. Santa Fe, often referred to as the “City Different,” has long been on my list of places to explore, and Ana’s tour promised a deep dive into its rich tapestry of history. My wife and I decided to make this tour the first stop on our Santa Fe adventure, and it set the perfect tone for our trip.

Ana Pacheco, a local historian with roots in Santa Fe dating back to 1692, greeted us with a warm smile and an infectious enthusiasm for her hometown. Her knowledge of Santa Fe’s history is unparalleled, and her storytelling skills brought the past to life in a way that was both engaging and educational. As we strolled through the historic Santa Fe Plaza, Ana painted vivid pictures of the bustling commerce and cultural exchanges that have taken place there since 1605. Her tales of the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, with its ancient Madonna, transported us back to a time when Santa Fe was a burgeoning frontier town.

A Walk Through Time

The tour continued with a visit to 109 East Palace, a site that played a pivotal role during the Manhattan Project. Ana’s insights into the dawn of the atomic age were both fascinating and thought-provoking, offering a glimpse into a world that shaped modern history. As we crossed the Santa Fe River into the Barrio de Analco, one of the oldest European neighborhoods in the United States, Ana shared stories of the Tlaxcalan Indians and their influence on the area. Her ability to weave together the diverse cultural threads of Santa Fe’s history was truly remarkable.

One of the highlights of the tour was our visit to the San Miguel Chapel, the oldest church in the United States. Ana’s narrative of how the chapel survived the Pueblo Revolt of 1680 was captivating, and the ancient artifacts inside, including a painting of St. Michael the Archangel, added a tangible connection to the past. As someone who curates interactive exhibits for children, I appreciated Ana’s ability to make history accessible and engaging for all ages.

A Lasting Impression

Our two-hour journey through Santa Fe’s history concluded with a visit to the New Mexico State Capitol, the only round state capitol in the United States. Ana’s explanation of its unique Native American design was a fitting end to a tour that celebrated the rich cultural heritage of Santa Fe. As we parted ways, Ana gifted us a signed copy of one of her books, a cherished memento of our time together.

Reflecting on the experience, I can confidently say that Ana’s tour was one of the most enriching and enjoyable historical tours I’ve ever taken. Her vibrant delivery and deep knowledge left a lasting impression, and I found myself eager to learn more about Santa Fe’s storied past. For anyone with a love of history and a desire to explore the “City Different,” Ana Pacheco’s tour is an absolute must. It was a day well spent, and one that I will fondly remember as a highlight of our travels.