Kit Carson House facts for kids
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Kit Carson House
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The Kit Carson House and Museum in Taos, New Mexico.
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 Location in New Mexico
Location in the United States
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| Location | Kit Carson Ave., Taos, New Mexico |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1825 |
| Architectural style | Spanish Colonial; Territorial |
| NRHP reference No. | 66000948 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | October 15, 1966 |
| Designated NHL | May 23, 1963 |
The Kit Carson House is a famous historic house museum located in Taos, New Mexico. This house, built in 1825, was the home of the well-known American frontiersman Kit Carson from 1843 until he died in 1868.
The house is a great example of Spanish Colonial architecture. Today, it is a museum that tells the story of Kit Carson's life. Because of its importance, it was named a National Historic Landmark in 1963.
Contents
The Story of the House and its Owner
The Kit Carson House is a one-story building made of adobe, a type of sun-dried brick. It is located just east of the main plaza in Taos. The house is shaped like a "U" with a courtyard in the middle. The oldest parts of the house are the four rooms that face the street.
Who Was Kit Carson?
Christopher "Kit" Carson was a famous figure in the American West. He was known for being a skilled fur trapper, wilderness guide, and explorer. He guided many United States Army expeditions through the West and also served during the American Civil War. His knowledge of the land and different cultures made him a legendary frontiersman.
A Family Home in Taos
In 1843, Kit Carson married Josefa Jaramillo, who came from a well-known family in Taos. That same year, he bought this house for them to live in. It was their main home for 25 years, though they sometimes lived elsewhere when Carson's work took him to other places. In 1868, the family moved to Colorado Territory, where both Kit and Josefa passed away.
Saving a Historic Building
After the Carson family left, the house was owned by several different people. Over time, it fell into disrepair. In 1910, a local group that Kit Carson had helped start, called the Masons, bought the property. In 1952, the Kit Carson Memorial Foundation was created to restore the house. Thanks to their hard work, the building was saved and turned into the museum we see today.
Visiting the Kit Carson Museum Today
The Kit Carson House has been carefully restored to look like it did when the Carson family lived there. The rooms are furnished with items that match the Spanish Colonial style of the 1800s.
What Can You See Inside?
Inside the museum, you can see many interesting artifacts from Kit Carson's life. These include a copy of his powerful .50 caliber rifle and a U.S. Army sword. You can also see personal items that belonged to his wife, Josefa, like her sewing box.
A guided tour of the museum teaches visitors all about Kit Carson's adventures and achievements. The tour often starts with a short video about his life. The museum also has a gift shop and bookstore where you can find souvenirs and books about the American West.
Nearby, you can visit the Kit Carson Memorial State Park. This is where the graves of Kit Carson and his wife Josefa are located.
See also
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Taos County, New Mexico
- List of National Historic Landmarks in New Mexico
Images for kids
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The courtyard plaza of the Kit Carson House.
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A photo of the Kit Carson House taken in 1936.
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