Edgar Lee Hewett

Edgar Lee Hewett was a force of nature and an iconic figure in the shaping of Santa Fe as we know it today. Born in Illinois on November 23, 1865 into a farming family, his life was one of idyllic surroundings, but also one in which he became accustomed to the hard work that it takes to run a farm. These skills and habits would benefit him later in life. His natural curiosity and ambition set him on a path with a very different trajectory than might have otherwise been the case.

Hewett was a precocious child, and his early education was on and off again, but he was inspired by two teachers who encouraged him because they saw his remarkable potential. During this time he came across the words and works of two men, Henry Morgan and Adolph Bandelier, who were to ultimately inspire him to become an archaeologist. After dabbling in law, he decided to go into education, a choice he never regretted.

Hewett landed in Greely, Colorado, where he founded, and then became principal of, a Normal School for educating teachers. This move brought him into the American Southwest, which changed his life. His experience with the school helped him develop his public speaking skills, which is something he used at many junctures in his life.

Hewett married Cora Mueller in 1891 and he and his young wife would often go out exploring the different ancient sites and ruins which they were surrounded by in Colorado. The couple later made their way down into New Mexico, and this move sparked a great interest in archaeology, which is what he is best known for today. During this time he also earned a Masters Degree in pedagogy.

Eventually, Hewett accepted a position as the President of the Normal University in Las Vegas, New Mexico, planting him firmly in the Territory. He encouraged a “less classroom and more fieldwork” approach with his students, a somewhat controversial method which raised eyebrows, but one which reflected his way of educating students with hands-on experience.

When his wife Cora was diagnosed with tuberculosis, trips to Santa Fe became frequent, so that she could go to St. Vincent sanatorium in the heart of the city. Hewett gained a love for the ancient capital, and after Cora died in 1906, he moved there full time in 1906. This fateful move was a highly significant both for Hewitt and the city of Santa Fe - which will be the topic of the next blog.

If you’d like to learn more about the impact of Edgar Lee Hewitt on Santa Fe, join Discovery Walking Tours for one of our daily History Walks. These 2-hour public walks leave every day from the lobby of La Fonda Hotel on the Plaza.