Talpa, New Mexico facts for kids
Talpa is a small community in Taos County, New Mexico. It is about 6 miles (10 km) south of the town of Taos. You can find it along New Mexico Highway 518.
A Look Back in Time
Talpa was first called Rio Chiquito. This name came from the river that flows through the area. People started settling here in the early 1700s. This was around the same time that the nearby community of Ranchos de Taos was also being settled. Talpa is located on land that was once a Spanish land grant. This land was given to Don Cristobal de la Sena a long time ago.
The name "Talpa" might have come from a town called Talpa in Jalisco, Mexico. Or, it could have been named after Señora Talpa Romero. She was from an important family in Taos.
Around 1820, a special private chapel was built for the Duran family in Talpa. It was located right by the Rio Chiquito river. A famous weaver named Juan Pedro Cruz lived here. He was born around 1855. He made beautiful sarapes (blankets), embroidered bedspreads, and rugs. He sold them to people living in the Taos Pueblo and other nearby villages. Also, the Ponce de Leon Hot Springs are close to Talpa. Native Americans and early Spanish settlers used these warm springs for a long time.
Schools in Talpa
Students in Talpa go to schools run by Taos Municipal Schools. This school district also operates Taos High School.
Pictures of Talpa
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Entering Talpa from Ranchos de Taos
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Rio Chiquito in Talpa
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Talpa street
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Talpa Community Center
See also
In Spanish: Talpa (Nuevo México) para niños
