Step back in time at the Oldest House Museum in Santa Fe, New Mexico….way back in time. Nestled in the heart of Santa Fe, the Oldest House Museum on De Vargas Street transports visitors back to a different era. Often called the De Vargas Street House, this structure is believed to be one of the oldest buildings in the United States, with roots stretching as far back as the early 17th century. A fascinating blend of history, culture, and architecture, the Oldest House Museum invites visitors to step inside and experience a slice of life from Santa Fe’s past.
Thought to have been built in the early 1600s, this structure showcases traditional adobe architecture, a technique used by the Pueblo people centuries before European settlers arrived. The house stands on what was once a Pueblo community called “Ogapoge,” inhabited by Indigenous peoples long before the Spanish colonization of the Southwest.
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During the Spanish colonial era, De Vargas Street House became part of Santa Fe’s Barrio de Analco, a neighborhood established by Spanish settlers, and one of the first neighborhoods in the city. Over the years, this area grew to be a melting pot of cultures, including Spanish, Puebloan, and later, Mexican and American influences, as Santa Fe transitioned from Spanish to Mexican and, finally, American territory.
Visitors to the Oldest House Museum are treated to a fascinating glimpse into New Mexico’s history. Preserving much of its original adobe construction, the house maintains a rustic, earthy feel that immediately transports visitors to the past. Inside, the museum features a range of exhibits that showcase artifacts, furnishings, and other period items, illustrating how people once lived within its walls.
A highlight of the museum is its modest interior, which includes preserved wooden beams, kiva fireplaces, and rough adobe walls. Visitors can explore rooms that would have served as living spaces, complete with period furniture and everyday objects. Staff and historians are often present to share stories and answer questions, adding a personal touch to the experience.
The museum also connects visitors with Santa Fe’s architectural heritage. The thick adobe walls and centuries-old construction techniques on display highlight how the unique building styles of the region have withstood the test of time. In a city known for its Pueblo Revival architecture, the Oldest House Museum offers a look at the real origins of these techniques.
Located near other historical sites such as the San Miguel Chapel (another of Santa Fe’s ancient structures), the Oldest House Museum makes for a perfect stop on a historic walking tour of Santa Fe’s oldest streets.
Photos of the Oldest House Museum in Santa Fe, New Mexico (De Vargas Street House)
