Santa Fe History
An Integral Part of Santa Fe History
La Fonda on the Plaza holds a coveted place in Santa Fe history, a component in a rich tapestry of hospitality that predates American independence. City records indicate that La Fonda sits on the site of the town’s first inn, established when the city was founded by Spaniards in 1607, making our property the oldest hotel corner in America.
Schedule a TourVibrant and Eclectic
A proud member of Historic Hotels of America®, La Fonda’s history can be traced back 400 years. In 1821, Captain William Becknell and his party found their way to the La Fonda during the maiden commercial route across the plains from Missouri, establishing the Santa Fe Trail as well as La Fonda’s reputation for hospitality. Throughout the 19th century, La Fonda quickly became the preferred lodging option among trappers, soldiers, gold seekers, gamblers and politicians. The adobe structure changed hands several times as the years progressed, enduring milestones such as the Civil War, railroad expansion and New Mexico statehood, while maintaining its status as a Santa Fe landmark.
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The structure that guests enjoy today was built in 1922.
It features the influence of architects Mary Elizabeth Jane Colter and John Gaw Meem. Authentic elements including hand carved beams, stained glass skylights and a 25 foot cathedral ceiling create a romantic aura unique to La Fonda’s Santa Fe history. Elements of the original design are still evident throughout the hotel, with La Plazuela situated on the hotel’s original 1920’s outdoor patio, as well as breathtaking skylights, terracotta tile and hammered tin chandeliers in our event venues. In 1925, the building changed hands again when it was acquired by the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway. The company leased the property to Fred Harvey, a gentleman renowned for his keen sense of hospitality. Harvey introduced his own personal touch and made the inn a Harvey House, a hotel chain noted for its high standards, fine dining and the signature “Harvey Girls,” a staff of exceptionally well-trained waitresses. Recently, Daggett Harvey, a Fred Harvey descendant, and Stephen Fried, author of Appetite for America: Fred Harvey and the Business of Civilizing the Wild West—One Meal at a Time spoke at La Fonda about how the company supported women and people of color in the workplace and how economic and social forces led to its sale in 1968 and the demolition of so many Harvey House gems.
The complete talk can be viewed HERE.
La Fonda remained a Harvey House until 1968.
Local businessman Sam Ballen and his wife Ethel acquired the property in 1968. The property remained in the Ballen family’s care until October, 2014. After a series of interviews to ensure that the new owners would also be good stewards of the hotel, the Ballen family passed the torch to a partnership of families with a personal connection to the hotel. This partnership is managed by Cienda Partners, a firm with a long history of civic and historic investments and with substantial holdings in Santa Fe. Since the acquisition, the new owners have made substantial investments to improve all areas of the hotel, including the public areas and the guest rooms, but always with the hotel’s history in mind, maintaining La Fonda’s position as a prized national treasure, perfect for guests in town for all occasions, from art tours to beautiful Santa Fe weddings.
Our history books tell the story.
Completed in October 2016, La Fonda Then & Now, is a beautiful coffee table book that chronicles the multilayered life of the hotel, from the early Fred Harvey years to present day. This 224 page book is richly illustrated with vintage archival and contemporary images, many of them never seen before.
Available at Detours at La Fonda, for $55.00.
Purchase Book
Completed in August 2011, From Every Window: A Glimpse of the Past, showcases the centuries-old history of La Fonda on the Plaza in an engaging narrative accompanied by beautifully reproduced archival photos. This 32-page soft-back book is available in Detours at La Fonda.
Available at Detours at La Fonda, for $10.00.
Purchase Book
Our amazing staff displayed the best of Santa Fe hospitality and put on a great show. Our La Fonda Family is the heart of the hotel and why we’ve been successful for 100 Years.
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La Fonda on the Plaza is proud to be a member of the Historic Hotels of America. To read more about this organization and its other member properties, click the link below:
historichotels.org
In Every Room: A Story of the Art
The wholly owned art collection of La Fonda on the Plaza began at the hotel’s inception, and has grown considerably over the years. Paintings by the best Pueblo artists were acquired in the early years and Sam and Ethel Ballen carried on that tradition followed by Jenny Kimball, all supporting Santa Fe’s famed Indian Market and acquiring work by Native Americans and other artists for the hotel. Not only does original art hang in every guest room, but all of it has a connection to the people who designed, built, and owned the hotel—a collaboration that has garnered La Fonda a reputation as one of the best Santa Fe hotels and a sought-after destination for more than 90 years.
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