While the Pilgrims were clearing land for Plymouth Plantation, a second generation of Spanish farmers tended flocks and harvested crops in Spain's northernmost colony in the Americas. The Palace of the Governors' four-foot thick walls, long galleries, small rooms and secure courtyard mirror its original purpose as a seat of government on a remote frontier. Period rooms and exhibitions at the Palace tell tales of nearly 400 years of New Mexico history starting with Francisco Vásquez de Coronado's 1540 expedition. Through Palace doors have passed Spanish soldiers, Pueblo peoples, Mexican governors, U.S. military personnel, an army of the Confederate States of America, New Mexico territorial governors, and merchants who came by way of the Santa Fe Trail. High quality handmade jewelry and crafts are sold by Native Americans under the portal, a program instituted in the 1930s and the contiuation of a centuries-long tradition. The venerable Palace also includes the Print Shop and Bindery, a working exhibit of antique printing presses. The renowned Fray Angélico Chávez History Library and Photographic Archives are open during the week for research purposes.