[Congressional Bills 111th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 655 Introduced in House (IH)]

111th CONGRESS
  1st Session
H. RES. 655

    Recognizing the historical significance of the city of Santa Fe.


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                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                             July 16, 2009

  Mr. Lujan (for himself, Mr. Teague, and Mr. Heinrich) submitted the 
following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight 
                         and Government Reform

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
    Recognizing the historical significance of the city of Santa Fe.

Whereas before 1598, the Pueblos of the Rio Grande region of New Mexico had 
        inhabited the area now officially known as Santa Fe;
Whereas from the first arrival of Spanish colonists in August of 1598, the 
        Pueblos of the Rio Grande and adjoining regions of New Mexico provided 
        support and sustenance to those colonists, which allowed the colonists 
        to persevere at San Gabriel del Yunque, the first villa and capital of 
        New Mexico located in the pueblo lands of Ohkay Owingeh;
Whereas, on March 30, 1609, the viceroy of New Spain, Luis de Velasco II, upon 
        the royal proclamation from the King of Spain and captain general of New 
        Mexico, ordered Governor Pedro de Peralta to arrive in New Mexico before 
        the end of 1609 and to establish a villa at the site of what is now 
        Santa Fe;
Whereas the Spanish colonists and the Pueblos engaged in a two-way exchange of 
        knowledge and cultural folkways that would be mutually advantageous for 
        both peoples;
Whereas some 70 years following the establishment of the villa of Santa Fe, the 
        Pueblos took up arms and forced the inhabitants of the villa to retreat 
        to El Paso de Guadalupe in what was then Mexico;
Whereas in 1692, the Spanish colonists began a return to the villa, which 
        following an initial peaceful return, resulted in several armed 
        conflicts lasting through 1696;
Whereas following the repopulation of Santa Fe and reinstitution of Spanish 
        government in New Mexico, the Pueblos and Spanish colonists found ways 
        to engage in mutual cultural interchange;
Whereas over the following years and despite intermittent disputes, the 
        colonists and their descendants formed alliances and accommodated each 
        other's cultures, allowing Santa Fe to flourish;
Whereas the peaceful acceptance of each other's cultures continued through the 
        United States' conquest of New Mexico during the war with Mexico and 
        contributed to the evolution of Santa Fe's cultural heritage and 
        resulted in the recognition by the State and Federal governments of the 
        sovereign rights of the Pueblos including their rights to self-
        government;
Whereas during the period of 2009 through 2010, Santa Fe will proudly observe 
        the 400-year anniversary of its settlement and subsequent founding as a 
        villa and its multicultural heritage with suitable events and 
        observances to commemorate its 400 years and to pass on to future 
        generation the heritage of Santa Fe and the surrounding region; and
Whereas it is important that the commemoration provide a foundation for peace, 
        hope, and collaboration for Santa Fe and its surrounding communities, 
        and a foundation to move forward as a flagship community within the 
        State of New Mexico: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) recognizes the historical significance of the city of 
        Santa Fe;
            (2) recognizes the 400th anniversary of the establishment 
        of Santa Fe; and
            (3) encourages the people of the United States to observe 
        the anniversary with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
                                 <all>