La Loma Plaza Historic District facts for kids
|
La Loma Plaza Historic District
|
|
La Loma Plaza Historic District sign
|
|
 Location in New Mexico
|
|
| Location | NM 240, Taos, New Mexico |
|---|---|
| Area | 11 acres (4.5 ha) |
| Built | 1795 |
| Architectural style | Colonial, Pueblo, Spanish Colonial |
| NRHP reference No. | 82003339 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
|
| Added to NRHP | July 8, 1982 |
The La Loma Plaza Historic District in Taos, New Mexico is a special place that was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. It's like a time capsule, showing how early Spanish settlers lived and protected themselves. This historic area covers about 11 acres and was built around 1795.
Discovering La Loma Plaza
La Loma Plaza is located on a hill west of the main Taos plaza. It was settled because of land grants given by Don Fernando de Taos. These grants allowed Spanish families to build homes and start a new community.
Building a Safe Home
Life in early Taos could be dangerous due to attacks from Plains Indians like the Comanche, Apache, and Utes. To stay safe, the Spanish settlers built their homes very close together. The houses shared common walls, and their outer walls were made of thick adobe. Adobe is a natural building material made from earth and straw.
This design created a strong, fortified village. There were only a few entrances into the center of the plaza. This made it harder for attackers to get in. People believe La Loma was settled between 1795 and 1846. After 1846, New Mexico became part of the United States provisional government. At that point, fortified settlements were not as necessary for protection.
Life in the Plaza
The settlers at La Loma Plaza lived a simple life. They usually got their water from wells. They also raised animals like chickens, pigs, cows, and horses. These animals grazed on the open land between La Loma and the main Taos Plaza.
The community built the San Antonio church right in the plaza. It was officially blessed in October 1876 by Archbishop Lamy. The people of La Loma also played a big part in helping to establish the town of Taos itself. Some of the residents were even artists, adding to the culture of the area. Today, most of the houses in this quiet plaza have been carefully restored.
Gallery
- La Loma Plaza Inn
-
La Loma Plaza Inn, Taos, New Mexico
-
La Loma Plaza Inn, Taos, New Mexico
-
La Loma Plaza Inn, Taos, New Mexico
- La Loma Plaza
-
Road into La Loma Plaza
-
Within the plaza and the back of La Loma Plaza
-
La Loma Plaza houses on the western side of the plaza
-
La Loma Plaza park, which is surrounded by houses
