Santa Fe County, Administrative division in central New Mexico, United States
Santa Fe County is an administrative division in central New Mexico covering roughly 1,900 square miles with diverse terrain ranging from high desert to mountains. The landscape includes peaks rising above 12,000 feet (3,660 meters) alongside lower elevation plains and valleys.
The county was established in 1852 from former Spanish colonial territories, with its capital serving as one of the oldest administrative centers in the region. The area developed into a major commercial hub connecting trade routes between Mexico and northern settlements.
The county's population descends from Spanish settlers, Pueblo peoples, and other communities whose traditions remain visible in local festivals, art galleries, and craft markets throughout the region. This cultural mix has shaped the area's distinctive approach to food, architecture, and artistic expression.
Visitors can navigate the county easily thanks to established road connections linking communities and attractions throughout the region. Allow extra time for travel between distant areas, as the county spans a large geographic area.
The county contains segments of the historic El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro, an ancient trade path from colonial times that once connected major settlements across the region. Visitors can walk portions of this route today and imagine the merchants and travelers who crossed here centuries ago.
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