The oldest church in the continental United States is still functional.
Many sources consider the San Miguel Chapel in Santa Fe, New Mexico to be the oldest church in the country.
Since its original founding, around 1610, the church has hosted many events, including religious services, ceremonies, celebrations and more.
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Interested in a tour of the building?
San Miguel Chapel is widely considered the oldest Catholic church in the United States. (Universal Images Group via Getty Images; PHAS/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
Read on to learn more about this historic church.
- What is San Miguel Chapel known for?
- What happened to the San Miguel Chapel?
- Is San Miguel Chapel still open today?
1. What is San Miguel Chapel known for?
The San Miguel Chapel is known as the oldest church in the United States.
The church is located in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
It was built “under the leadership of Franciscans to serve a small congregation of soldiers, workers and Indians living in the Barrio de Analco,” according to the church's website.
The San Miguel Chapel has undergone massive reconstruction since its original construction. (Sepia Times/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
The first historical written mention of the church dates from 1628.
Yet many believe the church's construction dates back even further, according to the San Miguel Chapel website, with oral history tying the church's founding around 1610 with the founding of Santa Fe.
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The chapel was dedicated to Archangel Michael.
According to US News & World Report, a statue of him stands on the site of the church today.
2. What happened to the San Miguel Chapel?
The San Miguel Chapel has undergone reconstruction over the years.
Documentation the church has preserved, according to its website, shows that the chapel was extensively damaged, including the roof being burned during the Pueblo Revolt of 1680, also known as the Papal Revolt.
Visitors can view the 780-pound San Jose Bell that used to be in the bell tower.
In 1710, the San Miguel Chapel was rebuilt. Further repairs, funded by the mayor of Santa Fe, were made in 1798, according to the church's website.
The community gathered for another renovation in 1887, when the church needed so many repairs that it was nearly demolished.
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Although the reconstruction of San Miguel Chapel has changed its structure from its original construction, the church is still full of history.
Parts of the original walls are still intact.
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Additionally, guests can view the 780-pound San Jose Bell that used to reside in the bell tower.
Sadly the tower fell in a storm in 1872, but the bell can still be seen in the chapel.
3. Is San Miguel Chapel still open today?
The San Miguel Chapel is still open.
The San Miguel Chapel is full of history and unique architecture. The church is still open today. (Buddy Mays/Getty Images)
In addition to the religious services that have been held regularly in the church for hundreds of years, the church is also used for a number of other events, such as concerts, celebrations and ceremonies.
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Visitors can tour the property or attend one of the many events held at the church.
You will find an events calendar online so you can see if there is anything you can attend during your visit.
