On our drive from New York City to Irvine, CA, we took a detour through Santa Fe, New Mexico. This little adobe is the oldest house in the United States, according to the plaque on the wall and signs posted nearby. Its exact building date is unknown, but is estimated at somewhere around 1200 AD. It was initially part of a village of Pueblo Indians, who abandoned the village around 1435. It was later was built over in 1610 by Spanish settlers, but retains some evidence of the original Pueblo walls. Directly across the street is the San Miguel Mission, built in the same style of architecture and around the same time.That's about the extent of my historical knowledge of the place, but the reason I'm choosing to blog about it is because it was such a satisfying moment for us as travelers on a trek across the country, having discovered a little tie to ancient America, beyond Starbucks and strip malls, tucked away down an alley in historic Santa Fe. We were there at an ideal time, on a beautiful, clear day. I love the clean simplicity of this facade, and the way the light is hitting it. It's about 5pm, and the light has that late-in-the-day warmth. I love the way the sun absorbs into the rough, organic adobe, and casts shadows along the left sides of the doorways and windows. Notice the looming shadows of the San Miguel Mission, the oldest church in the US (and currently under renovation) falling across the right side of the house.
I have always rooted for the underdog. It seems a testament to the spirit and tenacity of centuries of laypeople that such a modest and un-stately bit of architecture has survived longer than any other house in US recorded history. If walls could talk, right?
Very simple but complex post and image. It is amazing what lighting can do and how different materials respond differently and in this case tells so much of its history.
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