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New Mexico's Palace of the Governors: History of an American Treasure

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This is a good companion to the above book. It tells the story of New Mexico's cities, government and its people. The book is organized into four centuries from the conquistadors, the Mexican and Civil Wars, the coming of the railroad and the founding of the capital city. It also traces the building of the palace.

When expedition leader, Pedro de Peralta reached Santa Fe in 1609 to become the new territorial governor, he began building the palace. Through the centuries the building has been a seat of government, an army headquarters and a residence. Today, the Palace of the Governors is a national historic landmark, still standing across from the plaza in Santa Fe. It serves as a historic museum and hosts traveling shows of interest. Reproductions of old maps, drawings, and photos of archaeological digs are sprinkled throughout the book. Historic documentation and timelines help put New Mexico's past into perspective.