Abo
a.k.a. Abo State Monument;San Gregorio de Abo Mission;Abo Pueblo an
3 mi. W of Abo on U.S. 60, Abo, NMAbó Pueblo, possibly referred to by the Spanish entrada of Chamuscado and Rodriguez in 1581, probably was first visited by Antonio de Espejo with a small group of men in 1583, at which time it was estimated to contain 800 inhabitants. In 1598, Juan de Onate, the first governor of New Mexico, assigned Father San Francisco de Miguel to Pecos Pueblo, from where he also administered neighboring pueblos, including Abó. After three years Father Miguel returned to Mexico, and what, if any, imprint he left on Abó is not known. Evidently he accomplished little, since the people of Abó killed two soldiers who had deserted and were making their way to Mexico in the same year Father Miguel departed. Onate sent one of his lieutenants, Vicente de Zaldivar, to chastise the people of Abó for these killings, the actual battle occurring at a neighboring
pueblo.
Known missionary work began at San Gregorio de Abó about 1622, but the first guardian, Father Francisco Fonte, was not assigned until 1626. Other guardians were assigned to the large pueblo, which was reported to have 1,580 people in 164-1, off and on up to the time of the abandonment of the pueblo around 1672. The missionaries brought about several changes in the Indian way of life through the introduction of the new religion, improved agriculture, new domestic animals and plants, new ideas in architecture, and Spanish goods.
The church at Abó is presumed to have been constructed by Father Francisco de Acevedo, beginning in 1629, and served these Tompiro-speaking Indians until drought and Apache attacks brought about the abandonment of the pueblo in the early 1670's. The Inhabitants joined their Piro-speaking relatives on the Rio Grande, and at the time of the Pueblo Rebellion of 1680, a number of them joined the Spaniards in their retreat south to settle at El Paso del Norte. Sandstone walls of the mission structure still stand roof-high in many places.
Preserved as a state monument since 1938, the church was excavated and stabilized in 1938 and 1939. Only a small part of the nearby pueblo has been excavated, but ceramic evidence indicates occupation from about the late 1200's.
(This site was recommended by the General Land Office in 1916 for a National Monument. An adverse report was submitted by the National Park Service on April 19, 1933, and the project was disapproved by the Director on May 5, 1933. This site, however, retains a high potential toward contributing to our knowledge of Indian acculturation of Spanish culture in the 17th century, since the pueblo ruins have not been excavated.)
pueblo.
Known missionary work began at San Gregorio de Abó about 1622, but the first guardian, Father Francisco Fonte, was not assigned until 1626. Other guardians were assigned to the large pueblo, which was reported to have 1,580 people in 164-1, off and on up to the time of the abandonment of the pueblo around 1672. The missionaries brought about several changes in the Indian way of life through the introduction of the new religion, improved agriculture, new domestic animals and plants, new ideas in architecture, and Spanish goods.
The church at Abó is presumed to have been constructed by Father Francisco de Acevedo, beginning in 1629, and served these Tompiro-speaking Indians until drought and Apache attacks brought about the abandonment of the pueblo in the early 1670's. The Inhabitants joined their Piro-speaking relatives on the Rio Grande, and at the time of the Pueblo Rebellion of 1680, a number of them joined the Spaniards in their retreat south to settle at El Paso del Norte. Sandstone walls of the mission structure still stand roof-high in many places.
Preserved as a state monument since 1938, the church was excavated and stabilized in 1938 and 1939. Only a small part of the nearby pueblo has been excavated, but ceramic evidence indicates occupation from about the late 1200's.
(This site was recommended by the General Land Office in 1916 for a National Monument. An adverse report was submitted by the National Park Service on April 19, 1933, and the project was disapproved by the Director on May 5, 1933. This site, however, retains a high potential toward contributing to our knowledge of Indian acculturation of Spanish culture in the 17th century, since the pueblo ruins have not been excavated.)
Bibliography
Joseph H. Toulouse Jr. The Mission of San Gregorio de Abo, School of American Research Monograph No. 13 (Albuquerque, 1949);
George Kubler, The Religious Architecture of New Mexico (Colorado Springs, Paul A. F. Walter, The Cities that Died of Fear (Santa Fe, 1931).
George Kubler, The Religious Architecture of New Mexico (Colorado Springs, Paul A. F. Walter, The Cities that Died of Fear (Santa Fe, 1931).
Historic - Aboriginal; Historic - Non-aboriginal; Religion
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.
In the early 1800s, New Mexico became an important center for trade along the Santa Fe Trail, which connected Missouri to Santa Fe. The trail was used by traders, trappers, and settlers to transport goods and supplies across the frontier.
About Torrance County
Torrance County Timeline
Torrance County, New Mexico, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The region was originally inhabited by indigenous people, including various tribes such as the Apache and Puebloan peoples. These native groups lived off the land and made use of the area's natural resources for survival.
The arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century marked a significant change in the history of Torrance County. Spanish explorers and settlers began to establish settlements, bringing with them their culture, language, and Catholic religion. This colonization period saw the introduction of livestock, agriculture, and the construction of missions in the area.
During the mid-19th century, a series of conflicts between the US government and Native American tribes, including the Apache, took place in the region. The establishment of military forts, such as Fort McRae, aimed to maintain control and protect settlers from potential attacks. These conflicts eventually came to an end, prompted by the forced relocation of Native American tribes to reservations.
In the 20th century, Torrance County saw significant development with the arrival of the railroad, which allowed for better transportation and economic growth. Towns such as Estancia and Moriarty became important hubs for commerce and trade. Agriculture, particularly livestock and dairy farming, has been a vital part of the county's economy throughout its history.
Today, Torrance County continues to thrive as a rural area with a strong agricultural tradition. It also benefits from its proximity to the Albuquerque metropolitan area, making it an attractive location for those seeking a quieter lifestyle while still enjoying access to city amenities. The county's history is celebrated and preserved through various museums, landmarks, and cultural events that honor its diverse past.
The arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century marked a significant change in the history of Torrance County. Spanish explorers and settlers began to establish settlements, bringing with them their culture, language, and Catholic religion. This colonization period saw the introduction of livestock, agriculture, and the construction of missions in the area.
During the mid-19th century, a series of conflicts between the US government and Native American tribes, including the Apache, took place in the region. The establishment of military forts, such as Fort McRae, aimed to maintain control and protect settlers from potential attacks. These conflicts eventually came to an end, prompted by the forced relocation of Native American tribes to reservations.
In the 20th century, Torrance County saw significant development with the arrival of the railroad, which allowed for better transportation and economic growth. Towns such as Estancia and Moriarty became important hubs for commerce and trade. Agriculture, particularly livestock and dairy farming, has been a vital part of the county's economy throughout its history.
Today, Torrance County continues to thrive as a rural area with a strong agricultural tradition. It also benefits from its proximity to the Albuquerque metropolitan area, making it an attractive location for those seeking a quieter lifestyle while still enjoying access to city amenities. The county's history is celebrated and preserved through various museums, landmarks, and cultural events that honor its diverse past.
Torrance County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Torrance County, New Mexico.
- 1848 - The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo is signed, ending the Mexican-American War and establishing the United States' control over the territory that includes present-day Torrance County.
- 1880 - The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway is extended through the area, leading to the development of new towns and settlements.
- 1903 - Torrance County is officially established, named after U.S. Senator Thomas B. Catron's son Arthur Torrance Catron.
- 1930s - During the Great Depression, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) establishes several camps in Torrance County to provide jobs and develop natural resources in the area.
- 1942 - The U.S. Army establishes the Manzano Base, which later becomes the Kirtland Air Force Base, bringing economic growth and increased population to the county.
- 1955 - The John F. Kennedy Space Center is established in Torrance County, playing a crucial role in the U.S. space program.
- 1977 - The Very Large Array (VLA) radio astronomical observatory is constructed by the National Radio Astronomy Observatory in the county, attracting scientists and researchers from around the world.
- 1996 - The New Mexico State Prison Riot takes place in Torrance County, resulting in the deaths of 33 inmates and the following years of investigation and legal proceedings.