The Top Places to Explore the History of Sports and Culture in Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe, New Mexico has a rich history as a hub for art, culture, and spirituality. But what many may not know is that its also home to an impressive sporting legacy with roots stretching back more than 150 years. If youre interested in exploring this unique side of Santa Fe, here are some mustsee places and events.

First up is Fort Marcy Park (490 Bishops Lodge Rd., Santa Fe NM 87501), which was once the site of intense military drills during the American Civil War. Today, visitors can take part in pickup soccer games or even attend official matches hosted by local leagues throughout the year.

Another spot worth checking out is The Palace of the Governors (105 W Palace Ave., Santa Fe NM 87501), originally built by Spanish conquistador Don Juan de Oate and later converted into a seat of government for New Mexico Territory. In addition to its fascinating historical exhibits chronicling various aspects of life in colonialera America Southwest, The Palace hosts an annual vintage baseball tournament where teams dress up like they did circa 1860s and play using premodern rules.

For those interested in equestrian sports specifically, theres no better place than La Mesita Ranch (254 Camino Encantado Rd., Espanola NM 87532). Founded over a century ago by legendary rodeo impresario Bill Pickett himself who invented steer wrestling this ranch has produced some truly iconic champions including John Spain Sr., onetime holder of worldrecord times in calf roping.

No trip to Santa Fe would be complete without paying homage to local legend Carlos Fierro at his namesake gym on West Alameda Street (2554 Cerrillos Rd Suite B1c4).

Fierro known affectionately as El Gitano was a fourtime Golden Gloves champion who went on to become a successful trainer, helping to groom such greats as former WBC Featherweight champ Danny Romero. His gym still operates today under the supervision of his son Carlos Jr., and is open for training sessions if youre looking for an authentic local workout experience.

Lastly, dont forget about the Santa Fe Indian Market (100 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe NM 87501), which has been held annually since 1922 and is one of the largest events of its kind in North America. It features hundreds of Native American artists showcasing their work across various media including beadwork, pottery, sculpture and basketry many of whom hail from sporting tribes with deep sports traditions like Navajo Nation or Laguna Pueblo.

There you have it: our top picks for exploring the vibrant history of sports and culture in Santa Fe. Whether youre an avid fan or just curious traveler looking to delve deeper into this unique corner of Americas southwest theres something here for everyone.

Websites:

http://palaceofthegovernors.org/

https://lamesitaranch.com/index.html

https://fierroboxing.com/

https://swaia.org/">https://www.santafenm.gov/parks_and_recreation

http://palaceofthegovernors.org/

https://lamesitaranch.com/index.html

https://fierroboxing.com/

https://swaia.org/