Taos Pueblo

Taos Pueblo: a millennia-old Indigenous community in New Mexico

Taos Pueblo is an Indigenous community in northern New Mexico, historically known as the Red Willow people. Its multi-storied adobe homes, built between 1000 and 1450 A.D., have been continuously inhabited and remain in their original state. The site was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1960 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992.

Visits and admission

The community opens its doors to visitors to share its history and culture. General hours are Sunday to Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with winter hours subject to change and possible closures for ceremonies. Annually, Taos Pueblo closes for eight weeks in late winter and early spring. Published admission fees are: adults $25.00; seniors, students and military $22.00; children under 10, free; groups of 8 or more adults, $22.00 per person. Guided tours are offered year-round and cover the highlights of the culture, history and community. Photography rules allow photos for personal use only; commercial, documentary, educational or artistic reproductions require prior approval and payment of applicable fees, arranged through the Tourism Office.

History and construction

The community's ancestors have cultivated the Taos Valley since approximately 900 A.D. The traditional adobe homes, known as Hlauuma (north house) and Hlaukwima (south house), are the original structures; the one- or two-story homes surrounding them are from later periods. Construction uses adobe — earth mixed with water and straw — with roofs supported by large wooden beams and pine or aspen latillas. The exterior is maintained with layers of mud and straw, and interiors are coated with fine white earth washes. Each home is owned by a family, which assumes its traditional maintenance.

Government and community

The Governor and the War Chief perform distinct roles: the Governor handles interaction with the federal government and other agencies for the protection of the people, and the War Chief for the protection of the land. Both positions are appointed for one-year terms by the Tribal Council, composed of men who have previously served as War Chiefs or Governors and who hold their positions for life. The Council controls the progress and policies of Taos Pueblo. Approximately 75 tribal members reside in the traditional village area, while most families live on external lands with modern housing.

Blue Lake and territory

Blue Lake is a glacial cirque lake located on tribal lands. In 1906 it was transferred to the National Forests by Theodore Roosevelt, which represented a significant loss for the community. Its return is considered a milestone in federal government policy toward Native tribes, and a tribute to the tenacity of Taos Pueblo leaders. Currently, all tribal lands beyond the traditional pueblo area are off limits to visitors and tourists. The land base encompasses 99,000 acres, with an elevation of 7,200 feet at the village.

Language and culture

The native language is Tiwa; English and Spanish are also spoken. Taos is the northernmost of the nineteen New Mexico Pueblos. Its language is closely related to that of the Picuris, Isleta and Sandia Pueblos, although there is no blood relation. The community traditionally maintains trade exchanges with other Native communities, especially during the San Geronimo Day celebration in September.

Local crafts

In the pueblo's curio shops, mica-flecked pottery and silver jewelry made by local artisans are sold. The community, known for its tradition of hunters, is also famous for its work with animal skins: moccasins, boots and drums. A growing number of contemporary artists combine Indigenous tradition with modern artistic expression. Taos Pueblo's hallmark is its natural look, which enhances the appearance of materials without additional coloration.

San Geronimo Church

The current San Geronimo, or San Jerónimo, chapel was completed in 1850 to replace the original church destroyed during the Mexican-American War, specifically in the Taos Revolt of 1847. That church, whose ruins are still visible on the west side of the pueblo, was first built in 1619, destroyed in the Spanish Revolt of 1680 and rebuilt shortly afterward on the same site. San Jerónimo is the patron saint of Taos Pueblo.

Location and contact

120 Veterans Highway Taos, New Mexico 87571 · Telephone: 575-758-1028 · Email: taospueblotourism@gmail.com