Posted in New Mexico June 08, 2022 by

There Are 3 Must-See Historic Landmarks In The Charming Town Of Taos, New Mexico

Taos is a town in New Mexico with a community that’s rich in history and culture. The town was incorporated as a municipality on May 7, 1934. But this magical community started long before that, dating back to August 29, 1540, with the arrival of Capitan Hernando Alvarado. He was part of the expedition of Francisco Vasquez de Coronado, who entered the Taos Valley for the first time. It is reported that the first meeting between the explorers and the long-time inhabitants, the Tiwa Indians, was peaceful with each giving gifts. These ongoing cultural exchanges gradually transformed the valley into modern-day Taos. The name, Taos, was first used in writing in 1598, and by 1760 the town was named “Don Fernando de Taos” by the Spanish settlers.

While the road's condition is a little smoother on New Mexico State Road 240, in the early morning with the mist rising it is easy to imagine a different kind of road.
National Archives at College Park, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
A time when horses, wagons, and stagecoaches ruled the dirt-lined roads of Taos, New Mexico.
This photo, taken around 1898, records an accident that is said to possibly have started the Taos Art Colony. American artist Ernest Leonard Blumenschein is a founding member of the Taos Society of Artists. His paintings of New Mexico, Native Americans, and the American Southwest are world-famous.
Probably taken by Ernest L. Blumenschein, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
The man pictured is Bert Geer Phillips, also an American artist and founding member of the Taos Society of Artists.
The Ernest L. Blumenschein House, art gallery, and museum was Blumenschein's home from 1874-1960.
Ernest L. Blumenschein House, 222 Ledoux St, Taos, NM 87571, USA
Richard E. Greenwood, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
The artist lived here with his family.
Built in the Spanish-Pueblo style, this single-story, adobe structure houses 11 rooms. On display are some of the family's possessions including an art collection with some pieces also displayed of other famous Taos artists.
Kennon Baird, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Here is one of the bedrooms in the Blumenschein House.
The Mabel Dodge Luhan House is named for its owner, Mabel Gansen Evans Dodge Sterne Luhan, who was a writer and art patroness, among many other important roles.
Mabel Dodge Luhan House, 240 Morada Ln, Taos, NM 87571, USA
PhictureGal, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Mabel first rented a place in Taos, and after falling in love with Antonio Luhan, a Taos Pueblo Indian, he reportedly encouraged her to purchase 12 acres of beautiful land in May of 1918. By the next year, Tony designed and helped construct the four-room adobe house, which eventually grew to 17 rooms. It was finished around 1922, using traditional Puebloan construction methods.
A low wall with a central opening separates the courtyard from the street. With the house located at the end of a quiet road, people can enjoy the courtyard and sounds of the Taos wildlife, such as the western toad.
CaroleHenson, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
It is said that Mabel admired her views of the Taos Mountain from her third-story solarium.
Mabel created this space as an organic, artistic environment for friends to gather, such as other well-known artists and celebrities.
CaroleHenson, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
The house is now used as a conference center and a hotel.
The Kit Carson House and Museum is a self-guided living history interpretive tour, featuring a gift and book store, new exhibits, and an award-winning History Channel video.
F. D. Nichols, Photographer/Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, WIS,53-MILT,2-1/https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/disclaimer.htm
It was love, it seems, that sent Carson from the Wild West frontier (where he was a trapper and guide) to Taos, where he married Josefa Jarmillo in 1843. Unless Carson was stationed in other places, the couple lived in the home until 1868, when the family moved to the Colorado Territory.
Taos's Bent Masonic Lodge #42 aquired the house in 1952, and the Kit Carson Memorial Foundation operates the museum.
Kit Carson Home and Museum, 113 Kit Carson Rd, Taos, NM 87571, USA
Billy Hathorn at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
This single-story east-facing adobe structure was built in 1825.
The oldest portion of the house is the front three rooms, and one room over to the north.
Archinia, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
The rooms are furnished in the Spanish Colonial and Territorial styles of the Carson period.
From outside in the courtyard, enjoy this fine example of Spanish Colonial architecture.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2a/Kit_Carson_Home%2C_courtyard.jpg
This was a time when anything was possible, including going anywhere in America, setting up house, and thriving in the life of your dreams.
And before you leave, at least look up once at this magnificent blue sky.
Christopher Michel, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Who knows, you too might be so taken by dreams of your wildest imaginings.

Heading out to Taos? Find out why it was named a Top 10 Best Mountain Town in the U.S. And if you would like to learn more about Taos’ history, explore another National Historic Landmark: San Geronimo Chapel.

Address: Mabel Dodge Luhan House, 240 Morada Ln, Taos, NM 87571, USA
Address: Ernest L. Blumenschein House, 222 Ledoux St, Taos, NM 87571, USA
Address: Kit Carson Home and Museum, 113 Kit Carson Rd, Taos, NM 87571, USA