Santa Fe in Santa Fe County, New Mexico — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Mother Magdalen and the Sisters of Loretto (1852-1968)
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, July 23, 2011
1. Mother Magdalen and the Sisters of Loretto Marker
Front of Marker
Four Sisters of Loretto, Mother Magdalen Hayden and Sisters Roberta Brown, Rosana Dant and Catherine Mahoney, arrived in Santa Fe from Kentucky on September 26, 1852. In January 1853 they established Our Lady of Light Academy, later known as Loretto, the first school for young women in the Territory of New Mexico.
(side two)
Between 1863 and 1879 the Sisters with the help of local people raised funds to build the Loretto Chapel. During the next century, hundreds of women, many of them of Hispanic heritage, joined the Sisters of Loretto. Lucia Perea became the first native-born New Mexican superior at Loretto, Santa Fe in 1896.
Erected by New Mexico Historic Preservation Division. (Marker Number 574.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Churches & Religion • Education • Women. In addition, it is included in the New Mexico Women’s Historic Marker Initiative series list. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1853.
Location. 35° 41.09′ N, 105° 56.281′ W. Marker is in Santa Fe, New Mexico, in Santa Fe County. Marker is at the intersection of East Alameda Street and Old Santa Fe Trail, on the left when traveling
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Barrio de Analco (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); San Miguel Church (about 500 feet away); The "Oldest" House (about 500 feet away); Welcome to the Pink Adobe (about 500 feet away); Lamy Building (about 500 feet away); A Long Haul (about 700 feet away); Life on the Trail (about 700 feet away); The Santa Fe Trail (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Santa Fe.
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, July 23, 2011
2. Mother Magdalen and the Sisters of Loretto Marker
Back of Marker
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, July 23, 2011
3. Mother Magdalen and the Sisters of Loretto Marker
Photographed By Brian Anderson, May 24, 2018
4. Mother Magdalen and the Sisters of Loretto (1852-1968) Marker
Photographed By J. J. Prats, April 13, 2012
5. Loretto Chapel
On Old Santa Fe Trail near East Water Street.
Photographed By J. J. Prats, April 13, 2012
6. The Miraculous Staircase in Loretto Chapel
Credits. This page was last revised on January 25, 2021. It was originally submitted on August 4, 2011, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,394 times since then and 66 times this year. Last updated on July 5, 2018, by Brian Anderson of Humble, Texas. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 4, 2011, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. 4. submitted on July 5, 2018, by Brian Anderson of Humble, Texas. 5, 6. submitted on April 15, 2012, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
