Archbishop Jean Baptiste Lamy (1814– 1888)

Lamy was the first bishop and archbishop of the Diocese of Santa Fe. He was appointed to his new position by Pope Pius IX in 1850. Lamy arrived in Santa Fe a year later where he was met with resistance from the local clergy but quickly took charge and began to transform Santa Fe. He ordered the construction of new churches and created new parishes and schools. By 1869 he started work on the Cathedral of St. Francis, now a Basilica, which was completed in1888. Lamy had the Romanesque style church built similar to those of his native France, which was in complete contrast to the surrounding adobe structures. Throughout his time in Santa Fe, Archbishop Lamy ruled with a strong hand amid controversy. Today, a statue of Lamy graces the front entrance to the Basilica and his body is interned below the church floor. 

Thanks for listening! Follow me on Twitter: History in Santa Fe@SantaFeHistory.