Luis Tupatu facts for kids

Luis Tupatu, also known as Luis Tupatú, was an important Pueblo leader. He lived in the area that is now New Mexico after the Spanish were pushed out during the Pueblo Revolt. Luis Tupatu was from Picuris Pueblo. He took over as a main leader after another famous leader named Po'pay.

Luis Tupatu was also the governor of thirteen villages in Northern New Mexico. He successfully worked with the Spanish governor, Diego de Vargas, to stop fighting between the Pecos and Taos Native American groups. In 1680, he also led a rebellion of the Picuris Pueblo people, whom he ruled.

Who Was Luis Tupatu?

Luis Tupatu was a key figure in the history of the Pueblo people. He helped guide his community during a time of big changes after the Pueblo Revolt. His leadership was important for keeping peace and order among different groups.

His Early Life and Family

Luis Tupatu was a member of the Pueblo Indians. Interestingly, he had some relatives who were of Spanish origin. These relatives had come to New Mexico as settlers. For example, his uncle, Miguel Luján, was a captain in the Spanish army who worked with Governor Vargas in 1692. Luis Tupatu's wife also came from a mixed family. Her family included Tewas, Criollo Spaniards (people of Spanish descent born in the Americas), and mestizos (people of mixed Native American and Spanish heritage).

A Leader for Peace

Luis Tupatu played a big role in bringing peace to the region. He worked with Diego de Vargas, who was the Spanish governor of New Mexico at the time. Together, they created a plan to stop the fighting between the Pecos and Taos Native American groups.

This peace agreement was very successful for both sides. It was important because everyone needed to avoid more attacks from other groups, like the Apache. Before this peace plan, the Apache had seriously attacked the Pueblos. There had also been many clashes between different Pueblo tribes. Because Luis Tupatu helped keep the peace in New Mexico, Governor Vargas and the Spanish government respected him greatly.

Becoming Governor

Later, in Santa Fe, Luis Tupatu was officially named the governor of thirteen villages in Northern New Mexico. This was a very important position. The month after he was appointed, he received a written title. This document officially showed his authority and power as a leader. In 1680, he also led a rebellion of the Picuris Pueblo Indians, the very people he governed.