History of Española
True History of New Mexico
When Oñate and the first Hispano families arrived in Nuevo Mexico in 1598, the world of the first Americans changed forever. The next four hundred years of cultural conflict, compromise, intermarriage, and peaceful co-existence have forged a unique Indo-Hispano character and culture that defines the Nuevo Mexicana today. The true history of New Mexico is embodied in the daily struggles for existence of the countless and often nameless men, women and children who came to this isolated part of the world and clung tenaciously to it for four centuries.Settlement & First Capitals
A large caravan was assembled at Compostela, Mexico in January 1598. The expedition consisted of 200 soldier-colonists, many with their wives and families, nine Franciscan priests, several hundred Indian servants and allies, and thousands of heads of livestock. They advanced slowly towards the Rio Grande, stopping at Indian settlements along the way and celebrating a day of thanksgiving at present-day El Paso del Norte in April 1598.San Juan de los Caballeros
On July 11, 1598, a scouting party arrived at the village of Ohkay Owingeh, located at the confluence of the Rio Grande and Rio Chama. Here the expedition stopped, renamed the village San Juan de los Caballeros, and thus Oñate and his companions established the first Spanish capital in New Mexico.San Gabriel
A few months later the Spanish settlers relocated their settlement to the west bank of the Rio Grande at the village of Yunque. The Spanish named this settlement San Gabriel. San Gabriel served as the official capital of New Mexico until 1609-1610, when the Villa of Santa Fe was established as the official seat of Spanish government.New Mexico's First Historian
Gaspar Perez de Villagra, New Mexico’s first historian, documented this important event in United States history in his book entitled: Historia de Nuevo Mexico, published in 1610. This eyewitness account documents the early beginnings of Hispanic New Mexico. This same history is often overlooked in American history books and it is frequently absent from the pages of books that claim to tell the history of the Hispano experience in Northern New Spain.La Iglesia de Santa Cruz de la Cañada
The time spent building La Iglesia de Santa Cruz de la Cañada (dates of construction: 1733-1748) during the colonial period (1598-1821) was, “one of the longest on record in New Mexico,” according to architectural historian George Kubler. Twelve years after the completion of the church, Bishop Pedro Lama ron y Romera I. of the Archdiocese of Durango, made an official visit to inspect the mission. His less than enthusiastic comment recorded in the official diary was, “the church in Santa Cruz is large, but has little adornment.”Santa Cruz de la Cañada's Art
Tamaron’s early observation has changed dramatically over the centuries. Today, Santa Cruz de la Cañada is known worldwide for its magnificent religious art and for its unique colonial architectural style.Jesus Nazareno y los Dedos que le Faltan
An excellent example of the religious art found inside this church is the Santo known as “Jesus Nazareno y los Dedos que le Faltan” (Jesus of Nazareth and his missing fingers). This Santo, created by Jose Rafael Aragon, generates a powerful presence inside the church. Christ’s hands are tied, symbolizing the scene when Pontius Pilate condemned him to death. Two fingers are missing from the left hand of the statue.This Santo has been given credit for many miracles over the generations and according to many long-time parishioners, the missing fingers are the key to these miraculous occurrences.