Taos Plaza facts for kids
Taos Plaza is a special place in Taos, New Mexico. It's a historic town square with shops, monuments, and a park. It's part of the Taos Downtown Historic District.
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Discovering Taos Plaza
Taos Plaza is the historic heart of the town of Taos. Long ago, it was a Spanish fort with walls, houses, and shops. Today, it's a lovely park with trees, benches, and a gazebo. Many adobe shops are around it.
A main building here is the Hotel La Fonda de Taos. It has a small museum showing paintings by D.H. Lawrence. There's also a restaurant with beautiful hand-painted murals. You can find parking in the plaza. The shops sell Native American art, jewelry, and souvenirs. The old courthouse and historic Taos jail are on the north side of the Plaza.
Exploring the Historic District
The Plaza is a great starting point for a walking tour. You can visit many historic places nearby. These include the Ernest L. Blumenschein House, the Harwood Museum of Art, and the Governor Charles Bent House. Other interesting spots are the Taos Inn, the John Dunn House, the Taos Art Museum, and the Nicolai Fechin House.
The Plaza is just west of where two main roads meet. These are US 64 (Kit Carson Road) and NM 68. Taos County takes care of the Plaza.
A Look Back at Taos Plaza's History
Spanish settlers first came to the Taos Valley in 1616. But the Plaza itself started later, in the late 1700s. In 1796, Spanish settlers received the Don Fernando de Taos Land Grant. This land came from the Taos Pueblo.
The Plaza and the Taos Pueblo were the end points of a famous road. This road was called the Camino Real de Tierra Adentro. It was also known as the King's Highway and stretched all the way from Mexico City.
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Taos Plaza looking northwest in 1906
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Taos Plaza, around 1907
For many years, Taos Plaza was the main meeting place in the valley. It survived several fires that destroyed older buildings.
The Story of Governor Charles Bent
Near the Plaza is the home of Charles Bent. He became the Governor of New Mexico when it became an American Territory. This happened during the Mexican–American War. Sadly, he was killed by rebels during the Taos Revolt.
The American Flag at Taos Plaza
During the American Civil War in 1861, some people who supported the South kept tearing down the American flag. It was flying over the Plaza. Captain Smith Simpson, along with Kit Carson and others, guarded the flag day and night.
To remember this event, the United States Congress gave Taos special permission. Taos can fly the American flag 24 hours a day.
Fun Things to Do at Taos Plaza
Taos Plaza is a popular place for visitors. Many shops sell unique items from Northern New Mexico. You can find local foods and cultural goods. These include products made in Taos, chile ristras, and packaged food items.
You can also buy Southwestern jewelry, pottery, clothing, and leather work. Native American moccasins and drums are also available.
Fiestas and Celebrations
Every year, during the last week of July, the Plaza hosts the Fiestas de Santa Ana y Santiago. People often call it the Fiestas de Taos. This is a weekend-long party celebrating the Hispanic heritage of Taos. The Plaza fills with music, food, and dancing. It starts with a special Mass on Friday night and includes crowning a fiesta queen.
Many other events happen throughout the year in the Plaza. Many of these are free. You can enjoy free music in the summer. There are also special Yuletide celebrations in December.
Images for kids
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Taos Plaza, with shops, galleries and restaurants
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Taos Plaza and La Fonda Hotel, with sculpture of Padre Jose Antonio Martinez in the foreground
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Taos Plaza, the gazebo was donated by Mabel Dodge Luhan
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Alley off of the north side of the Taos Plaza with additional shops
