Jemez State Monument
a.k.a. San Jose le los Jemez Mission and Giusewa Pueblo
NM 4, Jemez Springs, NMOne of the important outposts on the Spanish relious frontiers of New Mexico is San José de Gíusewa Mission. Its location in 1a Sandoval County. This Franciscan mission was founded around 1620 at the pueblo of Gíusewa, probably by Fray Geronimo Zarate Sameron, and ministered actively to the Jemez Indians for at least 10 years. The pueblo sheltered some 800 inhabitants. The Jerez pueblos missions had stormy histories - revolt, abandonments, and reestablishments at various sites. By 1658, Gíusewa had definitely been abandoned, perhaps because of Navajo aggression. The ruins of the mission church, no part of Jemez State Monuments, are unusually impressive. Walls of stone 4 to 8 feet thick, rise as high as 30 feet in places, and the ruins of an octagonal tower stand 50 feet high. Extensive remains of the convento, especially the monastery, adjoin the church. A small private chapel in the monastery is the best preserved room. West of the church are the ruins of the pueblo, including swelling rooms and kivas.
Local significance of the site:
Prehistoric; Historic - Aboriginal; Hispanic; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1973.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
The first European to visit what is now New Mexico was likely Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca, a Spanish explorer who traveled through the region in the early 16th century. However, it was not until the arrival of Juan de Oñate in 1598 that the Spanish established a permanent settlement in the area.
About Sandoval County
Sandoval County Timeline
Sandoval County, located in the state of New Mexico, has a rich and diverse history that spans several centuries. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Pueblo people, who left behind archaeological evidence of their settlements and developed sophisticated agricultural techniques. Spanish explorers arrived in the 16th century and established missions in the region, marking the beginning of European influence in Sandoval County.
In the 19th century, the construction of the Santa Fe Trail brought increased trade and settlement to the area. As American settlers arrived, conflicts between the newcomers and the Native American tribes escalated, leading to the New Mexico Wars. These conflicts ultimately resulted in the displacement of the Native peoples and the establishment of American control over the region.
Sandoval County played a significant role in the New Mexico Territory during the Civil War. It was the site of the Battle of Valverde, a major engagement between Union and Confederate forces. Following the war, the area experienced an influx of settlers attracted by the agricultural potential and abundant natural resources of the Rio Grande valley.
In the 20th century, Sandoval County continued to develop and grow. The construction of Interstate 25 and the subsequent expansion of transportation routes brought increased connectivity to the region. Today, Sandoval County is known for its stunning landscapes, including the famous Jemez Mountains and the Valles Caldera National Preserve. It also serves as a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors with its rich cultural heritage, Native American art, and historical landmarks.
In the 19th century, the construction of the Santa Fe Trail brought increased trade and settlement to the area. As American settlers arrived, conflicts between the newcomers and the Native American tribes escalated, leading to the New Mexico Wars. These conflicts ultimately resulted in the displacement of the Native peoples and the establishment of American control over the region.
Sandoval County played a significant role in the New Mexico Territory during the Civil War. It was the site of the Battle of Valverde, a major engagement between Union and Confederate forces. Following the war, the area experienced an influx of settlers attracted by the agricultural potential and abundant natural resources of the Rio Grande valley.
In the 20th century, Sandoval County continued to develop and grow. The construction of Interstate 25 and the subsequent expansion of transportation routes brought increased connectivity to the region. Today, Sandoval County is known for its stunning landscapes, including the famous Jemez Mountains and the Valles Caldera National Preserve. It also serves as a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors with its rich cultural heritage, Native American art, and historical landmarks.
Sandoval County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Sandoval County, New Mexico.
- 1852: Sandoval County is established as one of the nine original counties of the New Mexico Territory.
- 1883: The county seat is moved from Bernalillo to Cuba.
- 1918: Coyote Dam is constructed, providing irrigation water for local farmers.
- 1944: The town of Jemez Springs is incorporated.
- 1974: Sandoval County Historical Society is founded to preserve and promote the county's history.
- 1985: The Jemez Pueblo is designated a National Historic Landmark.
- 1998: Petroglyph National Monument is established within the county's borders.
- 2011: The village of Rancho de San Juan is incorporated.