La Fonda on the Plaza in Santa Fe, New Mexico, stands as an iconic landmark, deeply interwoven with the city’s rich tapestry of history and culture. As a distinguished member of Historic Hotels of America since 1991, La Fonda’s legacy stretches back centuries, solidifying its place as one of the United States’ most historically significant destinations. Municipal records suggest an inn graced this very site as early as Santa Fe’s founding in 1607, though some sources point to a slightly later establishment around 1610. For travelers traversing North America in the 17th and 18th centuries via the El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro, La Fonda offered a welcoming respite in Santa Fe.
Alt text: Historic La Fonda hotel exterior in Santa Fe, New Mexico, showcasing Spanish Colonial Revival architecture.
The inn’s prominence surged in 1821 when Captain William Becknell, a pivotal figure in opening the “Santa Fe Trail,” chose La Fonda as his lodging upon reaching Santa Fe’s central plaza. Becknell’s stay marked the beginning of La Fonda’s role as a haven for frontiersmen and trailblazers venturing into the American West. Following the Mexican-American War and New Mexico’s annexation by the United States, American entrepreneurs acquired La Fonda, rebranding it as the “United States Hotel.” However, the local Mexican community affectionately dubbed it “La Fonda Americana,” a testament to its enduring cultural roots.
The United States Hotel era saw the rise of a popular gambling hall within La Fonda, quickly becoming a frontier attraction and a source of both entertainment and notoriety. This period painted a colorful, albeit sometimes turbulent, chapter in La Fonda’s history, attracting a diverse clientele ranging from prospectors to, as the original article notes, “rough outlaws and gangsters.” Perhaps the most dramatic event of this era was the fatal shooting of Chief Justice John P. Slough by Captain William Rynerson within the hotel’s walls. This incident, stemming from a political and personal clash, underscores the raw and untamed atmosphere of the frontier period. Despite the gravity of the event and Rynerson’s trial, he was ultimately acquitted, adding another layer of intrigue to La Fonda’s evolving narrative.
Alt text: View of Santa Fe Plaza featuring the iconic La Fonda hotel, highlighting its central location in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
In 1881, a new chapter began as Dr. Robert Longwell and merchant Abraham Staab purchased the aging inn. Staab, leveraging his business acumen, took the helm, initiating significant upgrades. His vision included adding retail spaces along the San Francisco Street façade, enhancing La Fonda’s presence in the bustling downtown area. Interestingly, Abraham Staab’s legacy in Santa Fe extends beyond La Fonda; he also constructed a magnificent mansion, now the luxurious La Posada de Santa Fe resort, another member of the prestigious Historic Hotels of America. Tragedy struck in 1912 when fire reduced the beloved La Fonda to ruins, a devastating loss for the Santa Fe community.
Undeterred, the Santa Fe Builders Corporation rallied to resurrect this cherished landmark. Securing finances proved challenging initially, casting uncertainty over La Fonda’s future for several years. However, driven by local business leaders and community spirit, the corporation successfully raised $200,000 in bonds by 1920, paving the way for reconstruction. Architect Isaac Hamilton Rapp, hailed as the “Creator of the Santa Fe Style,” was commissioned to design the new La Fonda. Rapp’s Spanish Colonial Revival design became a defining characteristic of Santa Fe architecture, and La Fonda became a prime example of this aesthetic. The rebuilt La Fonda reopened shortly thereafter, marking a triumphant return for this Santa Fe icon.
Alt text: Detail shot showcasing the Spanish Colonial Revival architectural style of La Fonda in Santa Fe, New Mexico, emphasizing its cultural heritage.
1926 marked another pivotal moment as the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway acquired La Fonda and entrusted its management to the renowned Fred Harvey Company. This partnership ushered in the “Harvey House” era for La Fonda. Architect John Gaw Meem and designer Mary E.J. Colter were brought in to transform La Fonda into a luxurious Harvey House hotel. The Harvey House chain was celebrated for its exceptional standards, refined dining experiences, and the impeccable service of the “Harvey Girls,” their famously well-trained waitresses. Under Fred Harvey’s guidance, La Fonda ascended to become one of the most distinguished Harvey Houses in the nation, attracting discerning travelers and solidifying its reputation for elegance and hospitality.
La Fonda thrived under Fred Harvey Company management until 1968, when Sam and Ethel Ballen acquired the property for one million dollars. By this time, the Fred Harvey Company had transitioned into Amfac Inc., the precursor to today’s Xanterra Parks and Resorts. The Ballens invested significantly in restoring La Fonda, which had suffered from neglect. Their dedication to preserving its historical integrity and timeless charm proved crucial in revitalizing the iconic hotel. Upon Sam Ballen’s passing in 2007, La Fonda’s stewardship passed to his descendants. However, the hotel had again fallen into disrepair, facing structural challenges. The Ballen heirs sought a new owner committed to La Fonda’s rejuvenation.
Jennifer Kimball, an attorney with a long-standing relationship with the Ballen family, stepped in, leading a group of investors to purchase La Fonda. Having worked with the Ballens for 25 years, Kimball was deeply invested in preserving their legacy. She embarked on an extensive decade-long renovation project, collaborating with Santa Fe architect and interior designer Barbara Felix. Their meticulous restoration work breathed new life into every corner of La Fonda, enhancing its original splendor. Thanks to Kimball and Felix’s vision and dedication, La Fonda emerged more radiant than ever, reaffirming its status as a premier destination in downtown Santa Fe.
Today, La Fonda on the Plaza enjoys an unparalleled location, nestled amidst Santa Fe’s cultural heart. It stands steps away from renowned attractions like the Georgia O’Keefe Museum, the historic Palace of the Governors, and the vibrant Santa Fe Plaza itself. Furthermore, La Fonda’s architectural and historical significance is recognized as a contributing structure within the Santa Fe Historic District, listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. A stay at La Fonda is more than just lodging; it’s an immersive experience in Santa Fe’s captivating history and vibrant present, offering guests a unique connection to the centuries of stories woven into its very walls.
