We are excited to share with everyone that 2015 marks the 50th year that the Inn of the Governors has been welcoming travelers to Santa Fe. Being part of the Santa Fe community for so many years has been a blessing and we look forward to many more years of continued service.
Although the Inn of the Governors came into being in 1965, the land that the Inn sits on has had a much longer history. Let us share with you a few of the earlier years. In the 1800’s, the underground storage (our basement area) was used as an Ice Cavern. Ice was brought from the mountains and stored there for the community.
At the turn of the century the building above the old Ice Cavern became the Chas Closson Livery and Feed Stable. We have this great historical photo which shows the building and some of the patrons of the times. Then in 1909, the Livery Stable was transformed into Closson and Closson Garage. The basement was used for working on the cars and the upstairs livery stable still housed horses during fiestas and served as additional storage area. The garage lived on until 1965, which is when the transition began for the Inn of the Governors.
The Inn, in its original incantation, had 80 rooms. Fifty-four (54) of these rooms were located on the West side of the property in the Traditional wing and twenty-six (26) of these rooms were in the Superior wing located on the second floor in the main building. Twenty of these Superior rooms were built with the addition of wood-burning kiva fireplaces; still a favorite to this day for the special ambiance they create. The Forge (a cabaret/bar) was located in the basement from 1965 – 1979 and we still have guests who have shared their favorite memories of the Forge.
In 1985, the addition of twenty (20) rooms in the Governors wing allowed the Inn to have Deluxe and Mini-suites for those guests wanting sitting areas and balconies. Fourteen (14) of these rooms also have kiva fireplaces and prove to be very popular for families and those guests staying for extended periods who enjoy a bit more space.
We’ve appreciated being part of this Santa Fe community and really felt that the best way to celebrate this year was to create a package that allowed our guests and the Inn to give back to some very worthy non-profits. We’ve attached the link to the package special here. Along with the donation made through your stay, the Inn will be making an additional donation, too. Share your memory or photo through our Facebook 50th Anniversary tab and maybe you will even win a one night stay for a Superior room with a wood-burning kiva fireplace, too.
Thank you to all our wonderful guests who have stayed with us over the last 50 years. We look forward to being your “home in the heart of Santa Fe” for many years to come. Safe travels, Deb Swanson
