San José de Gracia Church facts for kids
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San Jose de Gracia Church
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U.S. National Historic Landmark District
Contributing Property |
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 Location in New Mexico
Location in the United States
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| Location | N side of the Plaza, Las Trampas, New Mexico |
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| Area | 0.5 acres (0.20 ha) |
| Built | 1760 |
| Architectural style | Colonial, Spanish Colonial |
| Part of | Las Trampas Historic District (ID67000007) |
| NRHP reference No. | 70000415 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | April 15, 1970 |
| Designated NHL | April 15, 1970 |
| Designated NHLDCP | May 28, 1967 |
The San Jose de Gracia Church is a very old and important church in Las Trampas, New Mexico. It's also known as the Church of Santo Tomas Del Rio de Las Trampas. This historic church was built a long time ago, between 1760 and 1776. It's special because it's one of the best examples of a Spanish Colonial Pueblo mission church that hasn't changed much over time. Its walls are made of adobe (a type of sun-dried brick) and stand about 34 feet (10 m) tall. In 1970, it was named a National Historic Landmark, which means it's a really important place in American history.
What makes San Jose de Gracia Church special?
The San Jose de Gracia Church is found in the small village of Las Trampas. This village is located on New Mexico State Road 76, which is a famous scenic route called the "high road." The church sits on the north side of the main plaza, which is a large open dirt area.
How was the church built?
The church has a shape like a cross, which is called a cruciform plan. It is built from adobe bricks and covered with mud plaster. The main part of the church, called the nave, is about 100 feet (30 m) long and 52 feet (16 m) wide. Other parts, like the transepts and apse, extend the building to the north, east, and west.
The walls of the church are very thick, ranging from 4 to 6 feet (1.2 to 1.8 m). They reach a height of 34 feet (10 m). The roof is also made of adobe and is supported by large wooden beams called vigas. These vigas rest on special carved supports called corbels.
Unique features of the church
One cool and unusual thing about this church is a special window called a clerestory window. It's located high up above the nave. This window is angled just right to let sunlight shine directly into the apse area, which is the curved part at the end of the church where the altar is. The main entrance to the church is at the south end of the nave. It's between two strong supports called buttresses, which also hold up a wooden balcony inside.
When was the church built?
The community of Las Trampas was started in 1751 by twelve Spanish families. At first, the village was protected by an adobe wall around the plaza. By 1776, when the church was finished, the community had grown to 63 families.
The church stayed mostly the same for a long time because the village was quite isolated. This means it didn't have much contact with other towns, so there weren't many changes until the 20th century. The roof has been replaced a few times. For example, in 1932, a group called the Society for the Preservation of New Mexico Mission Churches helped replace it. A famous architect named John Gaw Meem led this project.
Art and designs inside the church
The ceiling of the church is painted with beautiful designs from the 1700s and 1800s. The inside of the church is also decorated with amazing artworks called santos. These were created by artists from the 18th and 19th centuries known as santeros. Every year, on March 19, the church celebrates its annual feast day.
Images for kids
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Main altar, San Jose de Gracia, 1943. The main altar screen (and others in the church) were overpainted in 1860 by the Mexican santero Jose de Gracia Gonzales. FSA photograph.
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Interior, San Jose de Gracia, 1943. John Collier photo.
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Ceiling of the entrance, painted with 18th and 19th century designs.
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San Jose de Gracia Church front exterior
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Inscription over front doors by Nicolas Apodaca
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Want to learn more?
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Taos County, New Mexico
- List of National Historic Landmarks in New Mexico
