Cross of the Martyrs Park

Love great sunsets? Head for Cross of the Martyrs Park atop a Santa Fe hill on the historic Eastside. The site commands one of the best west-facing views in the city. It's adjacent to Prince Park, once home to Fort Marcy which was built by the US Army in 1846. The fort was built to be "a symbol of American Military control" after New Mexico Territory was officially ceded to the USA under the 1848 Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo which ended the Mexican-American War. You can reach the Cross, a monument to 21 Franciscan Fathers killed in the Pueblo Revolt of 1680, via a walkway off Paseo de Peralta just north of Marcy Street. Read the historic plaques placed along the way to get a sense of local history. Don't want the mild uphill hike? You can also access the park by car from Artist's Road.