Pueblo de Taos, New Mexico
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).
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Taos
Pueblo
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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. It is representative of a culture which has become vulnerable
under the impact of irreversible change.
Inscribed in 1992 as a Cultural site, under Criteria C (iv).
Links
Taos Pueblo
World Heritage Convention
