Located in the valley of a small tributary of the Rio Grande, Taos comprises a group of habitations and ceremonial centers which are representative of a culture largely derived from the traditions of the pre-historic Anasazi Indian tribes who settled near the present borders of Arizona, New Mexico, Utah and Colorado. Pueblo de Taos is thought to have appeared before 1400 and is the best preserved of the pueblos north of the border defined by the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo (1848).
Taos Pueblo, New Mexico, has been a center of Native-American culture since the 17th century. The pueblo of Taos, still active today, symbolizes Indian resistance to external rule. The mission of San Geronimo, one of the earliest in New Mexico, was built near Taos Pueblo in the early 17th century. During the 18th century, Taos played an important role in resisting Spanish colonization.
As the need for defensive structures relaxed, certain European architectural
traits were adapted. These included: fireplaces, exterior doors and a more
extensive use of windows. Nevertheless, Taos is a remarkable example of
a traditional type of architectural ensemble from the pre-hispanic period
of the Americas unique to this region. Taos Pueblo is an outstanding collection
of structures and a brilliant model of a traditional human settlement. It
is representative of a culture which has become vulnerable under the impact
of irreversible change. (Inscribed in 1992).
Last Modified: Fri, Sep 11 1998 04:25:56 pm EDT
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