Nestled south of Santa Fe lies a place of historical significance. This is Seton Village a National Historic Landmark District. Ernest Thompson Seton founded it in 1930. He was an educator and conservationist. Seton is best known as a founder of the Boy Scouts of America.
Seton Village spans 43.7 acres. It features a residential settlement and educational facilities. The area was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1965. New Mexico also recognized it as a State Cultural Property.
The village is about 7 miles south of downtown Santa Fe. It is located west of Interstate 25 on County Road 58. You will find a central plaza surrounded by adobe residences and community buildings here. The remains of Seton’s 32-room castle stand to the east. Sadly, a fire during restoration in 2005 damaged the castle.
Seton began designing his castle in 1933. This multi-level building covered 6900 square feet. Its exterior featured rough-hewn stone walls. Oak floors and plaster walls adorned the interior. Log rafters supported the ceilings. The Castle offered views of the village and the western landscape.
Interestingly, two buildings were constructed around railroad cars. Seton brought these cars to the site. The interiors were stripped and finished with plaster. Adobe walls were built around them. One building has since had the car removed.
Seton Village once housed the Seton Institute. This included the Woodcraft League. It also housed the College of Indian Wisdom. These institutions provided training for Woodcraft and Scouting leaders. However, the Institute closed at the outbreak of World War II.
At Seton’s invitation, Maurice and Marceil Taylor moved their printing equipment here. They established the Seton Village Press in 1938. Like the Institute, the Village Press closed in 1943 due to the war.
Today, the Academy for the Love of Learning owns the property. They have preserved the castle ruins as a contemplative garden. The Academy’s Seton Legacy Project maintains a collection of Seton’s art and archives. The Academy Campus including the Seton art gallery opened in 2011.
Seton Village offers stunning views. You can see the Jemez Mountains and Mount Taylor from here. Ernest Thompson Seton’s vision continues to inspire. The Academy promotes his legacy through education and preservation. The village stands as a testament to his dedication to conservation. It also honors his commitment to Native American culture. His efforts helped many people and his contributions to the environmental movement are invaluable. Seton Village is not just a place. It is a legacy. It continues to evolve with contributions to the community. It is a place for learning.