The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1908-05-07
OLDEST TOWN IN THE UNITED STATES.

leo, Was SeltIcu Wy Iio oPe'iiAs "
It is, therefore, the Oldest town IN the
United States-a quarter OF a century older
than San Augustine, Florida. The Span
iards found tribe of Tiguex Indians on
the site which they renamed Santa Fe,
(Holy Faith) According to tradition the
Tiguex had occupied this spot since SUI,
A, D., how much earlier can only be con-
jectured? Spanish records show that the
San Miguel Church building was erected
in 1910, and there are other records stating
that it was erected in 1882. The former
date is more likely the correct one, as 1t IS
not probable that the Spanish settlers would
have delayed the erection of church
building for forty-two years. Brother
David, who kindly explained to me the
history and traditions of the earliest set
| Element of the pueblo, believes the former
date to be the correct one, based upon his
readings of the history of the earliest Mis-
sion establishments. The Historians .
who place it's foundation in 1882, base their
belief upon the expedition of Espejo in that
year, who came after plumber and the sup
posed gold of the Seven Cities of Cibola,
and not to found Missions. Superficial
writer's repeat this without investigating or
seeking correct information from the GUS
todians of the Church, the repository OF its
own history. In the pueblo rebellion OF
1880, the roof OF the church building was
burned, and some of the records were also
burned, but enough were preserved to
prove the date of the foundation OF the
pueblo and of the Mission.
Though the building has been partly
modernized the walls stand as they were
built, 1857 years ago. They are of adobe,
from three feet to five feet in thickness.
San Miguel is the oldest church building
in the United States, and services have
been conducted in it from it's foundation,
with the exception of occasional Indian
uprisings, and other disturbances. Many
of the ancient relics remain, one of which
is the old bell, cast in Spain, in 1856, and
weighing $50 pounds. It's tones are re-
markedly clear, owing to the scientific
combination of the metals in its compost
ton. The casting is rough, as the art was
not we'll understood in those days, hence
the exact proportions used to give it such
a line tone is the more remarkable. The
woodwork in the building is we'll preserved,
and though the carving is crude, being
done with axes, there is much artistic taste
.i,disnlaxed, The builders had neither saws
called this afternoon, when there were no
gaping and talking tourists, and Brother
David kindly gave me history Of the
ancient relics, of the building, and the
traditions of the pueblo. In addition to
these relics there is muotf interest in this
quaint building, standing upon the site OF
the earliest civilized settlement in America.
The Governors Palace" has also a
historic interest-ancient and modern. This
old adobe was successfully the headquar-
tiers of the Spanish Governors, the Mexican
, Governors and of Gen. Kearney when he
captured Santa Fe without firing gun.
When he left for the Conquest of Califor-
MIA, he was succeeded by Col. poniphan,
and when he marched upon and took pos
isession of Chihuahua, Col. Stirling Price
(afterward Major General in the Confede-
rate Army,) succeeded him. A revolu-
tionary plot was suppressed by Col. Price,
and several of the leaders were hung, and
others shot. The uprising occurred at the
Indian village Taos, twenty miles distant,
headed by few Mexicans. Gov William
Bent and several other civil officers were
murdered. The uprising was to be general,
but the plot was detected in Santa Fe. The
old Palace is still Territorial headquarters,
: and is an interesting relic
The plaza opposite, in which the Pueblo
Indians burned the Spanish records, is one
of the most historic spots in the west 1t is
also remarkable for possessing the only
monument of its kinda monument ex-
pressive of hate. 1t was put by authority
; of the Legislature of 1866, and one of the
inscriptions shows the venom of those who
authorized it. 1t reads: ''In memory OF
the heroes who fell in a battle with the
} Rebels at Valyerde, FEBRUARY 81, 1882 .
, The bad spelling may be excused, but not
the word "Rebels," which is in bad taste
and slur upon ex-Confederate soldiers
, The Federal loss at Valverde was fifty
/ eight killed, and about $50 wounded. One
company of Federals ran from the field
This is not mentioned in that inscription
on the monument. With such small loss
!, it is very strange that New Mexico should