The Oldest Town In New Mexico That’s A Beautiful Piece Of History You Can Visit
What do you think is the oldest town in New Mexico? If you guessed Santa Fe, you’d be right. Sort of. Our capital was established in 1610, which makes it the oldest city in our state. However, to find the oldest town, you need to travel centuries further into the past. Taos Pueblo and Acoma Pueblo are the oldest settlements in New Mexico and both sites are fascinating to visit. However, Taos Pueblo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it’s located next to the town of Taos, which was founded around 1615, shortly after Santa Fe.
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Taos Pueblo is just over a mile away from the Plaza, set against the idyllic backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The buildings here have been continuously occupied for more than 1000 years!
The multi-story adobe buildings you see have been lovingly preserved. They appear just as they would have centuries earlier. The main difference is the addition of doors and windows. Originally the only entrance to each home was through the roof.
The structures are formed from earth and straw bricks baked in the sun. The 150 full-time residents maintain these buildings by applying new layers of mud to the exterior. These homes aren't equipped with electricity or running water.
Taos Pueblo is open daily. Please remember that you are entering a sovereign nation within the United States. There is an admission fee and several rules that must be followed. For more info. The pueblo is located at 120 Veterans Highway in Taos.
You’ll also find plenty of history beyond the walls of Taos Pueblo. Check out the Kit Carson Home and Museum, which contains many of Carson’s actual possessions…
…Along with the Millicent Rogers Museum, which displays predominantly Native American art, crafts, and furniture. There are many more historic homes and intriguing museums in Taos, but those are two good places to get started.
On the edge of town (technically in Rancho de Taos), you’ll find the San Francisco De Asis Mission Church. Dating back to the mid to late 1700s, it anchors San Francisco Plaza, once an old Spanish garrison.
Ansel Adams has photographed this edifice, while Georgia O’Keeffe captured it on canvas.
Speaking of artwork, there’s a painting, now stored in the parish hall, that was once displayed in the church. When the lights went down, the painting would sometimes glow for no obvious reason! You can view this mystery painting for a fee of $3.
The address for the church is 60 St. Francis Plaza in Rancho de Taos.
You can't visit this town without experiencing Taos Plaza. With its old adobe buildings, this square is a type of living museum. You wouldn’t guess that it was designed with defense in mind. Nowadays, it serves as a community gathering area or a fun place to stroll around.
If you are looking for a hike rather than a leisurely walk, the area around Taos is full of enticing trails that steer you through spectacular scenery. Williams Lake is a popular hike that culminates on the banks of a crystal clear lake. For more info.
Anyone drawn to Taos for its past should be sure to stay in a B&B or hotel that’s housed in an old building or that has a colorful history – there are plenty to choose from. The Historic Taos Inn consists of several homes from the 1800s, united to form one hotel.
When it comes to historic restaurants, you can’t go wrong with the Love Apple. This establishment serves mostly local and organic fare inside a building that was a chapel back in the 1800s! For more info.
Considering its size, Taos offers an incredible number of attractions and activities. For more ideas about how to make the most of this historic town, read our past article: “This Charming Town In New Mexico Is Perfect For A Summer Day Trip.” Many of the activities mentioned can be enjoyed year-round.
Address: 803 Paseo Del Pueblo Norte, Taos, NM 87571, USA
Address: 125 Paseo Del Pueblo Norte, Taos, NM 87571, USA
Address: 60 St Francis Plaza, Ranchos De Taos, NM 87557, USA
Address: 1504 Millicent Rogers Rd, El Prado, NM 87529, USA
Address: 113 Kit Carson Rd, Taos, NM 87571, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Oldest Town In New Mexico
December 18, 2020
Leah
What is the most unique town in New Mexico?
The Taos Pueblo in New Mexico is certainly one of the most unique places in the state. Other special towns include places like Hatch, New Mexico. This town is known for one specific thing: chile. It’s said the best chile in the country, and possibly the world, comes from Hatch. They have chile festivals and plenty of places to buy chile, just as-is or in delicious meals. Another one-of-a-kind town with a similar affinity for food is Pie Town. It’s not hard to guess what they’re known for, and they also have an annual festival dedicated to their special food. You can find amazing pies in their local bakeries year-round.
What are the oldest historic sites in New Mexico?
There are so many historic places in New Mexico that go back thousands of years. Along with the Taos Pueblo, you can also find other ancient towns like the Acoma Pueblo, the Aztec Ruins, the Gila Cliff Dwellings, and more. Still, you can go further yet back in time when exploring New Mexico. This state has a place where you can see actual dinosaur tracks made millions of years ago, preserved in the ground. Clayton Lake State Park has a boardwalk trail that’ll take you right up to the tracks. Dinosaur footprints can be seen in the ground and are a delight for people of all ages to see.
What are the best little known places in New Mexico?
Some lesser-known yet equally as deserving places to visit in New Mexico include spots like Cloudcroft, where you can see a historic abandoned railroad trestle. The town itself is also quite lovely, plus the nature surrounding it is gorgeous. Another underrated spot worth seeking is the Casa Grande Trading Post. Located in Cerrillos, it may be a bit out of the way but it’s an enjoyable stop. Other than being a neat-looking adobe trading post, it also includes a petting zoo, mining museum, and more. You can learn more about this quirky spot by clicking here.
