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 New Mexico. 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. Here's more about Taos, one of the best small towns in the U.S.
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!
It’s a one of a kind place to explore. While an admission fee is charged, it's absolutely worth it.
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.
The pueblo’s church is beautiful, but newer – dating back to 1850.
You can still view the ruins of the older church it replaced, which was initially constructed in 1619.
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. Visit the Taos Pueblo website for more. 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 small fee.
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.
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.
It has hosted everyone from Greta Garbo to Robert Redford. Visit the Taos Inn website for more.
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!
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.
Need a place to spend the night during your visit to Taos? Take a look at Hacienda del Sol and book your stay!
Taos is far from New Mexico’s only old town. We are blessed with numerous historic towns in New Mexico that will transport you to the past.
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