Taos, New Mexico History

The first Europeans began to show up in the Taos Valley around 1540 and were led by Captain Alvarado who was exploring the area for Coronado. In 1598, Don Juan de Oñate arrived in 1598. The abundance of wood and water from the valley was of great appear to the early Spanish settlers. Life was not easy for the Spanish. Several skirmishes between the settlers and the Native Americans who where already been living in the valley eventually let to the Pueblo revolt of 1680 in which the Indians drove the Spaniards from the area. But in 1692, the Spaniards, let by Don Diego de Vargas, retook the province. Still not willing to be controlled by the Spanish, the Taos Pueblo revolted yet again in 1696 forcing De Vargas to return to squash the rebellion. As a result, Taos and most of the Pueblos along the Rio Grande became allies of the Spain and eventually the Mexicans after they won their independence from Spain in 1821. 

Sometime around 1796 - 97, the Don Fernando de Taos grant was given to 63 Spanish families and by the early 1800s, Taos was now home to many famous mountain men including Kit Carson. 

Now that Mexico was free from Spain, the Santa Fe Trail became an import trade route between Mexico and the United States. A branch of the trail was carved out for the benefit of Taos residents. Mexico’s influence and control of the area was growing. Between 1821 and 1846, the Mexican government made several land grants in an effort to settle the new sections of New Mexico and during the United States’ war with Mexico in 1846, Taos residents become so outraged by the new wave of invaders that they once again rebelled and killed the newly appointed Territory Governor Charles Bent in his Taos home. 

Taos’ next invasion would be of a different sort and its effects continue to shape and benefit the community today. In 1898, two eastern artists came to Taos to capture the unique people and dramatic landscape on canvas. By 1912, the same year New Mexico was granted statehood, the Taos Society of Artists was created and still today, Taos is know as one of the premier destinations in the country for traditional and contemporary art in all mediums. 

Taos, New Mexico history
Things to do in Taos New Mexico
Map of Taos, New Mexico
Contact the Taos Convention & Visitors Bureau