This Territorial period courtyard home was built in the 1850s for native New Mexican priest and politician Padre Manuel Gallegos. Born in Abiquiu in 1815, José Manuel Gallegos studied for the priesthood in Durango, Mexico, and was ordained in 1840. He served as priest of the San Felipe de Neri Church in Albuquerque. Archbishop Jean-Baptiste Lamy disapproved of Gallegos for engaging in business, politics, and gambling, and dismissed Gallegos from the church in 1852. Gallegos moved to Santa Fe, married, and carried on a successful career in commerce and government, serving in the Territorial congress and as superintendent of Indian Affairs in 1868. Around 1855, Gallegos built his home in Santa Fe and lived there until his death in 1875. Today the property houses commercial and professional offices.
From Old Santa Fe Today, 5th edition by Audra Bellmore with photographs by Simone Frances.
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF MELANIE MCWHORTER