Taos Pueblo
Taos, NM
Contributed by Project for Public Spaces
A high-rise adobe town that’s been home to Native Americans since at least the 1500s.
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Why It Works
As a sovereign nation within the USA, Taos Pueblo is intent on maintaining its traditional achitechture (which has remained pretty much the same since Spanish explorers arrived in 1540) and cultural values. As a place, it is unique in being so old and still true-to-form.
History & Background
The present buildings at Taos Pueblo were likely constructed between 100 and 1045CE. They were constructed entirely of Adobe (earth mixed with water and straw then formed and dried) and timber (for supporting the packed-dirt roofs). Initially these adobe buildings had no windows or doors - inhabitants entered and exited them from the roof! The people of this Pueblo are 90% Catholic and a chapel was constructed at the site in the mid 1800s. They speak Tiwa (native language), English and Spanish, and rely on tourist trade for economic support.
Related Links:
- Taos Pueblo - the village homepage
- 60 of the World's Great Places - Taos Pueblo was named one of the 60 greatest places in the world