Carson, Kit, House
Kit Carson Ave., Taos, NMThe Kit Carson House, located on Kit Carson Avenue in Taos, was for twenty-five years the home of Kit Carson, perhaps the most renowned of the mountain men and free trappers who dominated the fur trade of the southwest. Taos in the second quarter of the nineteenth century was rendezvous point and winter quarters for many of the trappers in the west and southwest, who worked a great arc of country from the headwaters of the Rio Grande and the Arkansas River across deserts to the San Juan, the Gila, and the Salt, and the Colorado Rivers. In the process, they opened up trails to California and were the first Americans to make a lodgement there which became crucial to the Americans in the war with Mexico. The Kit Carson House, built in 1825, was purchased by Carson in 1843 when he married Josefa Jaramillo, daughter of a leading family of Taos. To this home Carson returned from his duties as guide for John C. Fremont, as Indian agent, and as army officer in the Indian campaigns. The U-shaped house, built in the Spanish Colonial style, is maintained today as a historic house museum by the Kit Carson Memorial Foundation, Inc.
Local significance of the building:
Commerce; Exploration/settlement
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1966.
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.
New Mexico is known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant arts scene. The state hosts many festivals and events celebrating music, dance, and the arts, including the Santa Fe Opera and the Taos Pueblo Powwow.
About Taos County
Taos County Timeline
Taos County, New Mexico, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The area has been inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Taos Pueblo, for centuries. The Taos Pueblo is one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the United States, with roots that can be traced back over a thousand years.
In the early 16th century, Spanish explorers arrived in the region, led by Francisco Vásquez de Coronado. They sought to claim the land for Spain and spread Christianity. The Spanish influence remained strong, and the region eventually came under Mexican rule after Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821.
The history of Taos County took a dramatic turn during the mid-19th century with the arrival of American settlers. In 1848, the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ended the Mexican-American War, ceding the land to the United States. This led to an influx of Anglo-American settlers, who clashed with the indigenous population, resulting in conflicts such as the Taos Revolt of 1847.
The 20th century brought increased tourism to Taos County, thanks to its stunning natural landscapes, including the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the Rio Grande Gorge, and the Taos Ski Valley. The county also became an artistic and cultural hub, attracting renowned artists like Georgia O'Keeffe and D.H. Lawrence. Today, Taos County is celebrated for its multicultural heritage, scenic beauty, and vibrant arts scene.
In the early 16th century, Spanish explorers arrived in the region, led by Francisco Vásquez de Coronado. They sought to claim the land for Spain and spread Christianity. The Spanish influence remained strong, and the region eventually came under Mexican rule after Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821.
The history of Taos County took a dramatic turn during the mid-19th century with the arrival of American settlers. In 1848, the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ended the Mexican-American War, ceding the land to the United States. This led to an influx of Anglo-American settlers, who clashed with the indigenous population, resulting in conflicts such as the Taos Revolt of 1847.
The 20th century brought increased tourism to Taos County, thanks to its stunning natural landscapes, including the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the Rio Grande Gorge, and the Taos Ski Valley. The county also became an artistic and cultural hub, attracting renowned artists like Georgia O'Keeffe and D.H. Lawrence. Today, Taos County is celebrated for its multicultural heritage, scenic beauty, and vibrant arts scene.
Taos County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Taos County, New Mexico.
- 1795: Taos County established as one of the original nine counties in New Mexico.
- 1847: U.S. Army troops, led by Colonel Sterling Price, occupy Taos County during the Mexican-American War.
- 1848: Taos County becomes part of the territory of New Mexico after the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.
- 1873: Taos County Courthouse, which still stands today, is constructed in the town of Taos.
- 1898: Taos Pueblo is designated a National Historic Landmark, recognizing its cultural significance as one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the United States.
- 1924: The Taos Society of Artists is established, bringing attention and recognition to the area as an important art community.
- 1930: D.H. Lawrence, the famous English author, settles in Taos and writes "The Plumed Serpent" based on his experiences in the region.
- 1965: The Taos Ski Valley opens, attracting tourists and establishing Taos County as a popular winter sports destination.
- 1992: UNESCO designates Taos Pueblo as a World Heritage Site, recognizing its outstanding universal cultural value.