INTRODUCTION TO PERIOD STYLES: During the late 1800s, European-trained architects designed highstyle period houses for the wealthy. Each period style identifies specifically with an architecture of an earlier period and place: either early American or European precedents. Six popular period styles that diffused across the country are included on these web sites, though other, less popular period styles also appeared. During this time (mostly between 1900 and 1929), accuracy of styles became important once again, unlike Queen Anne style, which borrowed from a variety of sources. Most Important, period styles look to the past for inspiration. The trend toward period architecture gained momentum from the 1893 Chicago World's Fair, the Columbian Exposition, where historical interpretations of European styles were encouraged. Simultaneous to the rise of period-style architecture, the modern era saw its beginnings with architects who were instead looking to the future, not the past, with more progressive, modernist styles. Thus defines the eclectic movement of the early 20th century, which consisted of a simultaneous and perhaps competing interest in both modern and historic architectural traditions.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND AND FEATURES: Just as the Mission style was the "California counterpart" to the Northeast's popular colonial revival style, the Santa Fe style was a reaction to the Mission style of southern California. Basically, the "taste-makers" of Santa Fe and the state of New Mexico wished to distinguish themselves from the spreading image of southern California. Also, with New Mexico gaining status as a new state in 1912, the development of the new style was thought of as a primary method to attract tourists and promote the new state's own identity (as perceived by Anglo-Americans there). The style itself was basically inspired by a mixture of Spanish Colonial and Indian Pueblo architectural forms. It originated in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and quickly became the regional style of Anglo-American northern New Mexico after 1912. Thus, it is often referred to as Santa Fe Style. The first structure to gain the new style in Santa Fe was the Palace of the Governors (see photos above). Features include flat roof with parapeted wall, irregular/rounded edges to walls, stucco surface, often vigas (round roof beams) extending through walls to the exterior. More recently, the style has become popular outside of New Mexico, in places such as Arizona and southern California. Still, its core area consists of northern New Mexico and the style still creates a distinct (even if contrived) Anglo-American identity for the "Land of Enchantment".

PHOTO LOCATIONS AND DESCRIPTIONS (based on info available)

1. Albuquerque, NM. Pueblo-style townhouses with garages.
2. Clarkdale, AZ. New train depot for Verde Canyon Railroad. c.1995.
3. Santa Fe, NM. La Fonda Hotel, a Harvey House of the Fred Harvey Company.
4. Santa Fe, NM. Palace of the Governors, c.1610. Altered/renovated numerous times, the latest being 1913. In that year, the Museum of New Mexico staff applied their newly adopted Santa Fe style to the exterior of the structure. Good example of large wooden posts capped with zapattas (capitals), a Spanish colonial form replicated for use in the Santa Fe style.
5. Santa Fe, NM.
6. Santa Fe, NM. These formerly Italianate buildings have been plastered over with the "new" Santa Fe style.
7. Taos, NM. On the plaza.
8. Santa Fe, NM. A craftsman bungalow with Santa Fe style stucco exterior.
9. Santa Fe, NM. Bank on the Plaza. Good example of large wooden posts capped with zapattas, a Spanish colonial form replicated for use in the Santa Fe style.
10. Santa Fe, NM. Palace of the Governors.