Here we are at the Donaciana Vigil House. It stands as a testament to a life lived during times of immense change. This adobe house was built in 1832 in Santa Fe. It witnessed the transition of New Mexico from Spanish territory to Mexican republic to a part of the United States.
Donaciano Vigil himself was born in Santa Fe in 1802. He was a man of his time. He straddled three political and cultural worlds. His birthplace was right here in Santa Fe. The Donaciano Vigil House became the heart of his family life.
The Donaciano Vigil House is a single-story adobe structure. It features a large interior patio. It is constructed in Territorial style. Imagine this house as a very active site. It bustled with civil and political activity during Vigil’s time.
Now step back in time. Imagine Donaciano Vigil, a tall man for his era at perhaps six feet two inches. He was known for his strength. Vigil enlisted in the Santa Fe militia in 1823. He rose through the ranks to become a captain. He commanded the San Miguel del Bado militia.
Vigil was not only a military man. He was also educated and fluent in both English and Spanish. He twice served as a member of the Department Assembly. He even published a newspaper called La Verdad or The Truth.
In 1846, Vigil mobilized to resist the United States army. The army invaded New Mexico under General Stephen W. Kearny. However, Governor Manuel Armijo ordered the troops to disband. Vigil obeyed but under protest.
Kearny recognized Vigil’s capabilities. He offered him the position of Secretary of the Territorial Civil Government. Vigil accepted. He believed the U.S. government would be more progressive than the government in Mexico City.
After Governor Charles Bent was murdered in 1847, Vigil stepped up. General Price asked Vigil to serve as Acting Governor. Vigil accepted the position. He called for calm among the people.
As Acting Governor, Donaciano Vigil advocated for a public school system. It would be open to both the poor and the rich. He also called for the first Territorial legislature to convene. Vigil became Governor in December 1847.
Later in life, Vigil moved to Pecos in 1854. He became a major landowner. He founded East Pecos. He continued to participate in public affairs. He served in the territorial legislature several times.
Donaciano Vigil died in 1877. He left his land to his sons. He was remembered as a strong man. Even at 74 he could ride a horse from Pecos to Santa Fe. It was a distance of 25 miles.
The Donaciano Vigil House stands as a symbol. It represents resilience. It represents adaptation. It represents leadership during a pivotal era in New Mexico’s history. Today, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It serves as a reminder of Donaciano Vigil. He was the first Hispanic governor of New Mexico under U.S. rule.
So, as we conclude our visit to the Donaciano Vigil House remember Donaciano Vigil’s words. Whether this country belongs to the United States or returns to Mexico, let us compose one family. Let us continue our commercial relations. His words still echo in these walls. They remind us of the importance of unity and understanding.