San Jose de Gracia Church
a.k.a. Church of Santo Tomas Del Rio de Las Trampas;See Also:Las Tr
N side of the Plaza, Las Trampas, NMThe church of San Jose de Gracia, erected between 1760 and 1776, is probably the best preserved and least altered of the Spanish Colonial Pueblo churches built in New Mexico.
Local significance of the building:
History
First settled In 1751 by 12 Spanish families from Santa Fe, the walled village flourished until 63 families were numbering 278 people in 1776. Construction on the existing church began sometime after 1760 and was completed by 1776. Tree ring datings for two roof beams or vigas give the date 1791 and 1812; this suggests that a new roof was placed on the church early in the 19th century. In Spanish Colonial times, the parish as well as mission churches were staffed by Franciscan missionaries. When the New Mexico missions were secularized by the Mexican government and the friars forbade to minister as secular clergy in 183^, the shortage of clergy in New Mexico became acute. As no secular clergy arrived from Mexico to replace the regular clergy, the spiritual leadership developed on lay leaders. 'This situation continued until the 1850s when the Catholic Church in New Mexico was reorganized under Bishop Lamy. Until the 1920's the Trampas area remained so isolated and its economy so retarded that it was unaffected by American fashions of the late 19th century. It is to this cultural and economic isolation that the remarkable unaltered state of the San Jose de Gracia church is due. Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1970.
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 home to many important Native American sites and cultures, including the Taos Pueblo, Acoma Pueblo, and Navajo Nation. These tribes have lived in the region for thousands of years and have preserved their traditions and customs despite centuries of colonization and oppression.
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 condensed summary of the historical journey 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.