The Palace of the Governors, known as Las Casas Reales prior to 1821, is one of the oldest public buildings of European origin in the United States. Don Pedro de Peralta, appointed governor by the king of Spain, built, according to Spanish Colonial town planning ordinances, a “royal palace” overlooking a central plaza in 1610 to house military and government offices.
For 300 years, the Palace of the Governors was a seat of government under Spanish Colonial (1610–80, 1693–1821), Mexican (1821–46), and American (1846–86) rule. It was held briefly by Pueblo Indians (1680–93) and the Confederacy (1862). It served as the Territorial governor’s residence from 1886 to 1909. In 1909, the building became the home for the Museum of New Mexico and the School of American Archaeology. Today, the Palace of the Governors is the historic core of the New Mexico History Museum. The Palace of the Governors was honored with National Historic Landmark Status in 1960 and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1966.
From Old Santa Fe Today, 5th edition by Audra Bellmore with photographs by Simone Frances.