Welcome to the Old Cross of the Martyrs in Santa Fe, New Mexico—a site steeped in history and remembrance. This landmark stands as a poignant reminder of the complex and often tumultuous history between European settlers and Native American tribes. The cross itself was erected in 1920 to commemorate the Franciscans who were killed during the Pueblo Revolt of 1680. This was a significant uprising against Spanish colonization, where Pueblo peoples successfully expelled the Spanish settlers for over a decade. The revolt was a response to the suppression of their cultural and religious practices by the Spanish.
The cross is not just a memorial; it tells the story of resilience and change. The path leading up to the monument, known as the Commemorative Walkway, features plaques that narrate the history of Santa Fe and the events surrounding the revolt. As you walk up, you retrace the steps of history, experiencing a sense of connection to the past through these stories.
Santa Fe itself is the oldest capital city in the United States, founded in 1610. It has been a crossroads of cultural interactions, from its early days as a critical junction of the El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro, which connected Mexico City to San Juan Pueblo, to its role in the Santa Fe Trail that linked Missouri to Santa Fe in the 19th century. This city has witnessed the convergence of Spanish, Mexican, Native American, and American cultures over centuries.
The Cross of the Martyrs is not just a symbol of remembrance but also a place of reflection on the broader historical context of New Mexico, illustrating the ongoing dialogue between the past and the present. As you stand here, you are part of a living history, where stories of struggle, adaptation, and survival continue to resonate.
