The Rich History of La Posada de Santa Fe
The grounds of La Posada de Santa Fe come steeped in history: thousands of years’ worth of it. Modern and luxurious as our resort is, the sense of that history is always palpable here—and something we celebrate wholeheartedly.
For any guests of ours interested in the long reach and many dimensions of our heritage, we urge you to take a look at our in-depth history book—a wonderfully written resource that can certainly enhance your experience with us. To whet your appetite in the meantime, here’s a big-picture overview!
Deep Roots
Santa Fe may be widely known as the oldest capital city in the USA, but its human story goes back far beyond the four centuries or so of Euro-American presence. The indigenous Puebloan culture known as the Tewa long farmed the Rio Grande lowlands in the vicinity, which remains very significant to Native people today.
The Spanish settled the area at the end of the 1500s, when it became the province of Santa Fe de Nuevo Mexico. The provincial governor Don Pedro de Peralta made the new city of Santa Fe the capital in 1610. It kept that status after Mexico attained independence from Spain in 1821, then became territorial capital of New Mexico a few decades later when the U.S. gained control.
The Staabs
Both American settlers and European immigrants came to the New Mexico capital along the Santa Fe Trail, and among them was the German-born Abraham Staab, who arrived in the 1850s. In 1865, he returned to Germany to marry Julia Schuster, who came back with him to Santa Fe thereafter. In 1882, the Staabs built a French Second Empire-style mansion for themselves that still stands today on our resort: the magnificent Staab House.
The death of one of the Staabs’ daughters in infancy was a shattering tragedy for the couple; indeed, it’s said that Julia—while remaining an active, high-profile hostess of Santa Fe high society—never recovered from the loss.
Julia, who died in 1896, is widely believed to remain here with us at La Posada de Santa Fe Resort & Spa as a friendly, watchful presence; we honor her with our Julia, A Spirited Restaurant & Bar. Learn more about her lingering residency here, and toast our resort’s muse with a “Juliarita” margarita in the Staab House lounge!
Soak in History and Luxury at La Posada de Santa Fe Resort & Spa
With a getaway at La Posada de Santa Fe, you’re not only enjoying the finest luxury in the city’s downtown: You’re also taking a deep dive into Santa Fe history, just steps away from the Santa Fe Plaza. Come join us!