About Santa Fe

Historically rich, culturally vibrant and naturally beautiful, Santa Fe is the perfect place to live and learn. Often called the most interesting 50-square miles in America, this region of colorful contrasts offers equal opportunities for hikers and historians, skiers and art lovers, anglers and opera buffs.

Founded in 1607, Santa Fe is the oldest capital city in the nation and the cultural center of the Southwest. The history, political activity of state government, and melding of three cultures - Native American, Hispanic and Anglo - have attracted artists of all kinds for hundreds of years. Their works can be seen in any of over 200 galleries and a dozen museums as well as local craft shops and cafés.

Santa Fe is also home to the world-famous Santa Fe Opera, located north of town on the way to the Rio Grande Valley. The Rio Grande Valley was the site of the first European colony in New Mexico, established by Juan de Oñate in 1598. Oñate, relieved of his command for being cruel to the native people and unjust to the settlers, was replaced by Pedro de Peralta, the first governor of Santa Fe. Many Santa Fe families are descended from the first settlers, as well as from the American Indians who resided in over 100 villages scattered throughout the state before the Spanish colonized the region. Today, 19 pueblo communities exist in New Mexico, nine in the Santa Fe area.

Santa Fe is also known for its proximity to 1.5 million acres of forests and natural attractions, ranging from the Glorieta Mesa in the southwest, to the high peaks of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, to the Jemez Mountains in the west. Wilderness areas in the Santa Fe National Forest include the Dome Wilderness, the San Pedro Parks, the Chama River Canyon and the Pecos Wilderness.

Nearly 145,000 residents live in Santa Fe (county and city). Santa Fe is 7,000 feet above sea level, located at the foot of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range. The climate is characterized by moderate temperatures in winter and summer, low humidity, plenty of sun and clear blue skies.

Helpful Links

To learn more about Santa Fe and all that there is to do here, check out these websites:

College of Santa Fe - 1600 St. Michael's Drive, Santa Fe NM 87505
(800) 456-2673 or (505) 473-6133 * Fax: (505) 473-6127 * admissions@csf.edu