"On the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe"
On July 1st, 1879, the Santa Fe Railroad arrived in Las Vegas, New Mexico, marking a significant moment in the town's history. The arrival of the railroad brought new opportunities for trade and commerce, as well as connectivity to the rest of the country. Nestled in the Sangre De Cristo mountains, Las Vegas would become a prominent division point for the railroad, and would continue to serve the Santa Fe's growing connections for many decades.
A Grand Retreat fit for a king
Montezuma Hotel
The Montezuma Hotel in Las Vegas, New Mexico was built in 1882 by the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railroad. Designed by architect Charles Frederick Whittlesey in the Queen Anne style it was considered one of the most luxurious hotels in the Southwest. The hotel was a popular destination for wealthy and famous guests such as Theodore Roosevelt, Jesse James, and Will Rogers. In 1903, the hotel was purchased by the United States government and converted the building into a military hospital. It was later used as a tuberculosis sanatorium before being abandoned in the 1950s. Today, the Montezuma Castle and surrounding buildings are part of the United World College and serve a growing community of students from all over the world.
The Visionary behind the bricks
Charles Frederick Whittlesey was an incredibly talented American architect who worked with the Santa Fe Railroad in the early 20th century. the famous Montezuma hotel came from this brilliant mind. He designed several other magnificent buildings for the railroad, including the La Fonda Hotel. Whittlesey's exceptional work can be seen with the design and implementation of the New Mexico State Capitol building in Santa Fe. Moreover, he designed numerous other notable buildings, such as the Cleveland Museum of Art and the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, throughout his illustrious career.
