This is the second in a yearlong series of stories that honor 400 years of Santa Fe history by searching the past to find explanations for life as we know it today. The stories appear on the first Sunday of each month.



The following stories will run in the coming year.

Jan. 3, First Contact: From the beginning, interaction between Spanish and Natives has given Santa Fe a unique character of blended cultures.

Today, Pathways: The 400th celebration proclaims "all trails lead to Santa Fe" — a tribute to the place as a commercial and cultural crossroads.

March 7, Storytelling: Is there another city more aware of its story and the art of storytelling?

April 4, Faith: The practice of religion winds through Santa Fe's history, both defining us and liberating us.

May 2, The Land: It enticed and defeated people, and still we struggle to co-exist with and save our limited resources.

June 6, Rogues: From the Santa Fe Ring to spies to rebellious inmates, there have always been scoundrels who disturbed the peace.

July 4, Preserving Heritage: Santa Fe embraces its heritage and markets its image and often protects both with a heavy hand.

Aug. 8, Creativity: Why is Santa Fe known worldwide as an arts community, and what is the future?

Sept. 5, Learning: Schools yesterday and today have been at the intersection of cultural diversity, faith and the hunger for skills to thrive in our global community.

Oct. 3, Power: Always a seat of government, Santa Fe is witness to political power, some good, some bad.

Nov. 7, Warriors: The military and a sense of duty have always been signature qualities in Santa Fe.

Dec. 5, Family: It is the center of life, but we as a community sometimes fail at keeping children and families safe and well.