Don Gaspar Historic District

The Don Gaspar Historic District is a residential neighborhood in Santa Fe with hundreds of buildings constructed primarily from adobe. The streets run in a typical grid pattern and connect older and newer homes within a spatially organized area.

The district is named after merchant Don Gaspar Ortiz y Alarid, who donated land for development in the 19th century. Over time, the area grew from a trade hub into a mixed residential and commercial neighborhood.

The architecture shows a blend of Spanish, Mexican, and American styles visible in the facades and courtyards throughout the district. You can see how different periods shaped the homes, from thick adobe walls to the details on doors and windows.

The district is easy to explore on foot since streets are well marked and distances are manageable. There is ample parking nearby and several small parks that invite you to linger.

Many buildings in the area used roof tiles manufactured by inmates at the New Mexico State Penitentiary. These so-called pen tiles can still be seen on many older homes today and tell an unusual story of local craftsmanship.

Location: New Mexico

GPS coordinates: 35.67833,-105.94111

Latest update: December 14, 2025 09:42