Old Cross of the Martyrs

Amidst the vibrant tapestry of Santa Fe’s history stands the Old Cross of the Martyrs. It’s a solemn monument. It whispers tales of a turbulent past. The Old Cross of the Martyrs isn’t just a landmark. It’s a tangible link to a pivotal moment in New Mexico’s history, the Pueblo Revolt of 1680. This revolt was a powerful uprising. It was led by the Pueblo people against Spanish colonial rule. The Old Cross of the Martyrs serves as a memorial to the 21 Franciscan friars who lost their lives during this tumultuous period. The original Old Cross, erected in 1920 near the Old Taos Highway, was a concrete giant. It measured 25 feet high and weighed a staggering 76 tons. It was designed by Ralph Emerson Twitchell, Edgar L. Street, and Warren G. Turley, and built by the Midland Bridge Company. The cross we see today is a newer one. The Historic Santa Fe Foundation commissioned it in 1994. It stands as a poignant reminder of the complexities of this historical event. The Old Cross of the Martyrs stands as a silent witness. It reminds us of the clash of cultures. It symbolizes the struggle for religious freedom. It highlights the enduring power of faith. It is a place for reflection and remembrance. The Old Cross of the Martyrs invites us to contemplate the past. It urges us to learn from it.