Taos

One of the places that every American should see is Taos where the past becomes the future. Taos encompasses Taos Pueblo, the oldest occupied city in the United States (more than one thousand years old), Taos city, and Rancho de Taos, home of San Francisco de Assisi church, which some say is the most photographed city in the Untied States.

When the Spaniards came in 1615 the Spaniards established the city of Fernandez de Taos just outside an existing pueblo, known today as Taos Pueblo, The founding of both Taos Pueblo and Taos city predates the Pilgrims landing at Plymouth Rock. The Spaniards established a mission and control, but they were overthrown by the pueblo revolt in 1640. Spanish settlers did not return until 1661. Once again, there was a revolt in 1680. Control was not reestablished until 1696. The town and pueblo faced numerous raids from the Comanches during the 1770s.

After the United States conquered the New Mexico area, Taos staged a rebellion once again. The American governor, Charles Bent, was killed. However, American control was quickly reestablished.

The area was destined to become a sleepy outpost of the American Southwest until discovered by artists in the late Nineteenth and Twentieth centuries. The Taos Society of Artists was created. These artists came to include Nicolai Fechin and R.C. Gorman among others. Today, Taos is jammed with art galleries and remains one of the largest and most productive art colonies in the world. However, Taos did not only inspire visual artists but writers as well. D.H Lawrence is the best known example of such a writer.

Taos remains a refuge and inspiration for the creative and influential crowd. Numerous artists, writers, and various assorted notables, such as Julia Roberts, Val Kilmer,a nd Donald Rumsfeld call Taos home. Tourists have made this small town of less than 10,000 people a major destination. Bookstores, art galleries, new age shops, restaurants, and real estate offices line the streets that tourists fill. Yet, Taos continues to enchant. Visit Taos and step into another world, but get there early to beat the crowds.