Christian Kaadt Photographs

Collection

Identifier: PAAC-0004

Staff Only

Scope and Content

The collection consists primarily of photographic images of Santa Fe, New Mexico and the surrounding area. Also included are portraits of Santa Fe residents, railroad scenes, and some images from the surrounding pueblos.

The collection includes photographs of Santa Fe buildings, such as the old Capital, the Palace of the Governors, the Penitentiary, and the U.S. Indian School. Also included are street scenes, homes, and businesses. Among the portraits are government officials and citizens of Santa Fe. Other images depict the Navajo and the Jemez and San Juan Pueblos, religious processions, as well as a U.S. Surveying team.

Finally, as the official photographer for the Santa Fe Central Railroad Kaadt material includes photographs depicting the building of the railroad, including the ceremony for the last spike.

All photos are circa 1895-1905 and almost all are original prints or negatives. It is possible that some images attributed to Kaadt may have been copies of work by other photographers (including Hillers) that were useful for the Santa Fe Central or other commerical purposes.

Dates

Majority of material found within 1895 - 1905

Creator

Kaadt, Christian G., 1868-1905 (Photographer, Person)

Access Restrictions

Collection is open to researchers on an appointment basis. Contact the Photo Archivist to request to view original material.

Copy Restrictions

User responsible for all copyright compliance. Permission to publish must be obtained from Photo Archives. Form to request permission available at: https://www.nmhistorymuseum.org/collections/photo-archives/order-photos

Biographical Information

Christian Kaadt (1868-1905) was a Danish immigrant who originally settled in Iowa sometime around 1885, and it was here that he learned photography. Kaadt then moved to Santa Fe and opened his studio in 1893. Besides studio portraiture he operated an extensive curio and view business in the early years of the twentieth century. Kaadt was also the official photographer for the Santa Fe Central Railroad.