The Taos Pueblo exemplifies the arrival of the Taos
Pueblo Indians and is a telling example of their early
inhabitancy of the area. The Taos Pueblo has remained
unchanged since 1540. When the Spanish first arrived and
then the Anglos, they began making life difficult for
the Taos Pueblo but their strong heritage and cultural
customs were too hard to break. The Taos Pueblo had an
unshattering sense of community which helped to them maintain
their culture and beliefs. Though the Taos Pueblo had
good relationships with other tribes and non-Indian people
there was a strict community rule adhered to that the
Taos Pueblo would only marry their own kind and maintain
a distinct racial purity.
Taos Pueblo Indian architecture in the Town of Taos forbids any kind of excavation therefore not very much is known about the Taos Pueblo Indian ancestors. Some believe that they could have possibly been one of the two extinct tribes of the Chaco or the Anasazi. Examples of their way of life live on in the ancient dwellings and ruins of Chaco Canyon and other archaeological sites scattered around Taos and other parts of New Mexico. The Taos Pueblo Indians farmed land nearby the town as other pueblo once did.
The Sange di Cristo Mountains were home to abundant wildlife and history denotes that the Taos Pueblo Indians were adept hunters who killed and ate deer, elk, birds and bears and used their hides and feathers for various things. They became quite skilled at this practice and became well known for being very accomplished artisans making different kinds of clothing and footware from the hides of the animals as well as drums which became synonymous with Native American Indians who used them for sacred music and dance.
The Battle of Pueblo de Taos began in 1847 as the Pueblo became aware that their land was in jeopardy. The Anglo Army attacked viciously and in great numbers. The Battle of Pueblo de Taos was a fierce and savage one that took place all of that day. The number of Pueblo de Taos wounded was roughly 45 while only about less than ten. Of the 6 or 7 hundred enemy men about 150 were killed in the Battle of Pueblo de Taos while the numbers of wounded were never really known. Great numbers of cannon balls were lodged into the Pueblo de Taos compound though to this day the ancient dwelling remains standing strongly.
In the summer season Pueblo de Taos is open daily from 8am to 5pm and until 4pm in the winter. Sometimes Pueblo de Taos closes for religious purposes and is closed for 6 weeks from late winter until early spring so call ahead before visiting. Adult admission is $10 for adults, $8 for 3 or more adults, $5 for students, free for children under 12 and a still camera fee of $5 but check rates before visiting. May to mid-April guide tours are available and require visitors to call ahead for a fee. There unique dances, demonstrations and other activities on the Pueblo de Taos calender of events so before to check for what’s happening when you’re visiting so you don’t miss these fun events.
The historical Pueblo de Taos stands proudly today in
the Valley of the Rio Grande in Taos,
New Mexico and is comprised of ceremonial buildings
and various dwellings which were once home to these ancient
people. The Pueblo de Taos has been recognized as a UNESCO
World Heritage site and is visited by thousands of people
every year.
