Memorials - Monuments - Markers Inventory

Don Diego de Vargas Zapata Luján Ponce de León, El Marques de la Nava de Barcinas

Artist: Donna Quastaoff
Year: 2007
Type: Sculpture
Medium: Bronze

Reference/Description: Don Diego de Vargas Zapata Luján Ponce de León, born 1643 in Madrid, Spain, served the crown as Governor of New Mexico from 1691–1697 and 1703–1704. Vargas was a devout Christian with a strong devotion to Nuestra Señora La Conquistadora, Our Lady of Peace. Recognized for his competency and talent as a royal official, his arrival in February 1691 at El Paso del Norte as Governor marked the beginning of the critical episode in New Mexico’s restoration, resulting in a remarkable reconciliation with Pueblo Indian leaders such as Luis Tupatú, Domingo Tuguaque, Juan de Ye and Bartolomé de Ojeda. Together these men forged a lasting peace that has endured for more than three hundred years. Vargas’ accomplishments in New Mexico will long be remembered by all generations that follow

Location: Cathedral Park