National Register of Historic Places listings in Taos County, New Mexico facts for kids
Welcome to Taos County, New Mexico! This place is full of amazing history, and many of its important spots are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Think of this register as a special list kept by the United States government. It helps protect and celebrate buildings, sites, and objects that are super important to American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture.
In Taos County, there are 42 places on this special list. Seven of these are even more important and are called National Historic Landmarks. This means they are recognized as being significant to the entire nation's history. Most of these places are also on New Mexico's own State Register of Cultural Properties, showing how much they mean to the state too!
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Discovering History in Taos County
Taos County is a beautiful area in New Mexico, known for its rich history and stunning landscapes. From ancient pueblos to historic homes and churches, this county has many places that tell stories of the past. These sites help us understand how people lived, worked, and created art throughout different times.
What is the National Register of Historic Places?
The National Register of Historic Places is like a hall of fame for historical sites across the United States. When a place is added to this list, it means it's recognized as being very important. This helps to make sure these places are preserved for future generations to learn from and enjoy. Some places are so important they get the even higher title of a National Historic Landmark!
Famous Homes and Buildings
Many of the historic places in Taos County are homes where famous or important people lived, or buildings that played a big role in the community.
Governor Charles Bent House: A Look Back
The Governor Charles Bent House is located in Taos. Charles Bent was the first American governor of New Mexico. Sadly, he was killed here during a revolt in 1847. Today, his home is a museum where you can learn about his life and the history of the area. It was added to the National Register in 1978.
Kit Carson House: Home of a Frontier Hero
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Also in Taos, you'll find the Kit Carson House. Kit Carson was a famous American frontiersman, trapper, and soldier. He lived in this house for many years. It's now a museum that shows what life was like in the 1800s. This house became a National Historic Landmark in 1966.
Mabel Dodge Luhan House: A Creative Hub
The Mabel Dodge Luhan House in Taos was a very important place for artists and writers in the early 20th century. Mabel Dodge Luhan was a wealthy patron of the arts who invited many famous people, like D.H. Lawrence and Georgia O'Keeffe, to stay and create art here. It was listed as a National Historic Landmark in 1978.
Ernest L. Blumenschein House: Art and History
The Ernest L. Blumenschein House, also in Taos, belonged to a famous artist who helped start the Taos Society of Artists. This group of painters made Taos a well-known art center. His home and studio show how artists lived and worked in the early 1900s. It became a National Historic Landmark in 1966.
Severino Martinez House: Life in the Past
The Severino Martinez House, or Hacienda de los Martinez, is a large, historic adobe home located a couple of miles from Taos Plaza. It was built in the early 1800s and shows what a traditional Spanish colonial hacienda looked like. It's now a museum where you can see how people lived and worked in New Mexico long ago. This house was added to the National Register in 1973.
Important Churches and Sacred Sites
Churches and sacred sites are often very old and hold deep cultural meaning for communities.
San Francisco de Assisi Mission Church: A Landmark of Faith
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In Ranchos de Taos, you'll find the beautiful San Francisco de Assisi Mission Church. This church is famous for its unique adobe architecture and has been painted by many artists, including Georgia O'Keeffe. It's a stunning example of Spanish colonial religious architecture and was named a National Historic Landmark in 1970.
San José de Gracia Church: A Village Treasure
The San José de Gracia Church is located in the small village of Las Trampas. This church is one of the best-preserved examples of an 18th-century Spanish colonial church in New Mexico. Its simple, yet powerful, design tells a story of faith and community. It became a National Historic Landmark in 1970.
Taos Pueblo: An Ancient Community
Just north of Taos is the incredible Taos Pueblo. This is an ancient Native American community that has been continuously inhabited for over 1,000 years. The multi-story adobe buildings are truly unique and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's a living community and a powerful symbol of Native American culture and history. Taos Pueblo was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1966.
Unique Places and Structures
Beyond homes and churches, Taos County has other fascinating historic sites.
Rio Grande Gorge Bridge: A High Viewpoint
The Rio Grande Gorge Bridge is a huge and impressive bridge that crosses the deep Rio Grande Gorge near Taos. It's one of the highest bridges in the United States and offers amazing views of the river below. It's not just a bridge; it's an engineering marvel and an important part of the area's transportation history. It was added to the National Register in 1997.
Black Copper Mine and Stamp Mill: Mining History
Near Red River, you can find the Black Copper Mine and Stamp Mill. This site tells the story of mining in New Mexico. A stamp mill was used to crush rocks to get out valuable minerals like copper. It's a reminder of the hard work and industry that shaped the region. This site was listed in 2000.
Ojo Caliente Hot Springs: Healing Waters
The Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs are famous for their natural hot springs, which have been used for healing and relaxation for centuries. Native Americans and later Spanish settlers used these waters. The area includes historic buildings related to the springs and their use. It was recognized on the National Register in 1985.
Historic Districts: Exploring Whole Areas
Sometimes, an entire area or neighborhood is considered historic because it has many important buildings or tells a big story. These are called historic districts.
Taos Downtown Historic District: Heart of the Town
The Taos Downtown Historic District includes the famous Taos Plaza and the streets around it. This area is the heart of Taos, with many historic adobe buildings, shops, and art galleries. It shows the unique blend of Native American, Spanish, and American cultures that make Taos special. This district was listed in 1982.
Las Trampas Historic District: A Preserved Village
The Las Trampas Historic District is a small, historic village that has kept much of its original character. It's centered around the beautiful San José de Gracia Church. Walking through Las Trampas feels like stepping back in time, showing what traditional New Mexican villages were like. This entire district became a National Historic Landmark in 1967.
Images for kids
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The Eanger Irving Couse House and Studio—Joseph Henry Sharp Studios.
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Inside the Nicholai Fechin House, now the Taos Art Museum.
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Detail from the Leon Gaspard House.
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The Harwood Foundation, now the Harwood Museum of Art.
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A view of the La Loma Plaza Historic District.
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La Morada de Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe.
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The D.H. Lawrence Ranch Historic District.
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The Orin Mallette Cabin.
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The Sylvester M. Mallette Cabin.
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The Melson-Oldham Cabin.
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The Ojo Caliente Hot Springs Round Barn.
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The mission church at Picuris Pueblo.
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The Pierce-Fuller House in Red River.
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Entryway to the San Francisco de Assisi Mission Church.
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The Red River Schoolhouse.
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The Brigham J. Young House in Red River.
