plan a trip to Taos, New Mexico when you have information about the history, the attractions in the area and Taos Pueblo.
Taos, New Mexico is a small town but there is much to enjoy there and in the surrounding area. It is located by the Taos Mountain, a part of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Early explorers from Spain saw a dull red in the late afternoon sun and saw the snow-clad slopes of the Sangre de Cristo (Blood of Christ) Mountains and named it Taos. Taos is almost 400 years old and is one branch of the Santa Fe Trail. It is located 70 miles above Santa Fe. In Taos there are three towns, the Indian Pueblo named San Geronimo de Taos, the old Indian Farming center called Ranchos de Taos and the Spanish town called Don Fernando de Taos.
The Spanish settlers battled the Taos Indians to steal some of their corn. In 1680 there was a Pueblo Revolt that ended the Spanish being in the area by death or by being driven away. Don Diego de Vargas brought all the pueblos back to Spanish rule in 1692 by reconquesting the area. He was not a popular man as he raided the Taos Pueblo again in 1694 for people who were starving. Then in 1696 Taos Pueblo rebelled and Don Diego de Vargas came to stop the rebellion. After that time the Spanish and the Indians of the Taos Pueblo became allies.
Taos Pueblo has been in Taos since 3000 B.C. It has a multiple story apartment dwelling still standing and Indians have lived there since the year A.D. 300. On the east side of the pueblo there are walls four feet thick and remains of twin towers still exist. The mission there at this time was built in 1848. The original church that was at the same location was built by Fray Pedro Miranda in 1617 and was destroyed in the year 1680. Two adobe houses face one other with Taos Creek flowing in the largest plaza. Ladders still remain on the outside has the dwellings have no inside stairways. These are surrounded by pole supported tapestes or platforms as the Spanish called them. These platforms were used for the storage of their crops and firewood was stored beneath the platforms. Three were underground kivas where the ancient ceremonies were held. The tribe also held meetings in the kiva. Visitors are not allowed in the kivas and women are only allowed at certain times. In this pueblo and ll others the women are the heads of familes.
There are still many ceremonies celebrated today as in ancient times. September 29 is when the Taos Pueblo Corn Dance (Indian Sun Down Dance) is held. On September 30, the Sun-Down Dance is performed. San Geronimo is the patron Saint of Taos Pueblo. This dance is held as they are thankful for harvest, the dance is to the sun and a green branch is held in their hands. The next morning after they attend mass there is a race between the north and south pueblos that leads to the upper end of the north pueblo. The one that wins the race will be allowed to name the governor or the pueblo for the next year. On Christmas Day and on Twelfth Night the Deer and Buffalo Dances are held. These dances are so very beautiful and very ritualistic. A Turtle Dance is held in the early spring and there are Spanish-American pageants and Saint's Day processions during the year.
Don Fernando de Taos became a village in 1932. There is a plaza in this area with flat roofed, one story shops on three sides. Most of the people in this area make native crafts or work in a local trade. In this area today live many artists and it is considered an art colony. There are many shops to buy artworks. The Courthouse is on the north side of the plaza. This building standing today was built in 1933. There are paintings by Taos artisits Bisttram, Lockwood, Phillips and Higgins. The Heptagon Gallery is on the same side of the plaza as the Courthouse and is maintained by a group of artists. There are various artist studios in the area but you may need an appointment to enter.
The Kit Carson House is located on the north side of Kit Carson Avenue and consists of buildings built around a patio. In this museum you can learn about the Old West. Kit Carson maintained his headquarters, home and office in these buildings from 1858 to 1866. He is buried in the Kit Carson cemetery located at Dragoon Lane going north from Kit Carson Avenue. You will find a tombstone on his grave that the Masons installed in the 1880's. The grave of Padre Jose Martinez is also buried in this cemetery. There is also a Kit Carson Park two blocks from the plaza that would provide a wonderful place to just take a break and rest.
West of the Taos Plaza you will find the Ernest L. Blumenschein Memorial Home. This is an adobe home with European culture. He was the artist most responsible for establishing an art colony in Taos. There are many artifacts of the era when the Spanish, European and Indian cultures were together in this area.
The home of the Russian artist Nicolai Fechin is located at the Nicolai Fechin Institute on Paseo del Pueblo Norte Road. Two miles from the plaza on Ranchitos Road is the Martinez Hacienda, a home containing 21 rooms that are built around two courtyards. These courtyards were built against Indian attack. The Stables Art center is located on 133 Paseo del Pueblo Norte and has the finest art in New Mexico. On Bent Street you will find the Governor Bent House and Museum, just a block north of the plaza. In the Museum you will find Taos culture and history. He was killed by the Pueblo Indians after being named to the post of Governor.
Taos Ski Valley has such challenging skiing, much bright sunshine and powder snow. It has over 325 inches of power every year and the Taos Mountain's elevation is ll,8l9 feet. In the Carson National Forest you can indulge in cross-country skiing. Mountain biking is available especially in the Carson National Forest. Gallegos Peak is at an elevation of 10,500 and there is a bike trail leading to the top. If you love to fish you can participate with the locals along the Rio Grande River, Cabresto Lake, Eagle Rock Lake and other local lakes. Horseback riding is available as well as off road vehicle routes. There seems to be something for most any sport you might like.
There are great places to stay, motels, hotels, and bed and breakfast and camping. The food in the area is excellent no matter where you choose to dine. Taos is just a wonderful place to visit. .
