Torreon

A low circle built of red sandstone is what remains of a torreon at Quarai.
The Quarai Torreon.

SAPU Museum Collection

 

A Torreon, which translates to "fortified building" or "tower," is a round defensive structure similar to a castle keep. You can see the remnants of a torreon in the Lucero buildings located southeast of the Quarai Mission. These later structures were constructed when the Lucero family tried to return to the area for the second time after their first attempt was disrupted by Apache raids in 1830. The Torreon was likely built in the 1840s or 1850s, but it’s unclear if it was ever utilized during later raids.

 
An early crew standing within the torreon prior to stabilization.
The torreon prior to stabilization. Date unknown.

SAPU Museum Collection

Last updated: January 14, 2025

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Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument
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Mountainair, NM 87036-0517

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