Things to do / Travel Guide
Owing to its rich cultural heritage blending Hispanic, European, and Native American cultures, the region has a wealth of historical sites which paint a picture of the history and diversity of the area.
Tiwa Pueblo Historic Attractions in New Mexico
Some members of the Tiwa Pueblo tribe continue to live in their traditional and historic pueblo villages. The Taos Pueblo, about an hour and a half north of Santa Fe, is a living monument to the Tiwa people as well as a fascinating and unique historic attraction. Less than an hour northwest of Albuquerque, is the Pueblo of Jemez, known for its artwork and local crafts. Visitors who plan ahead may be able to catch unique local events.
Spanish Historic Attractions in New Mexico
Nowhere else in The United States preserves the Spanish colonial period history on such a grand level as Santa Fe. The Santa Fe Plaza, is the center of the city today, as it was during the Spanish era. Colonial structures, including government buildings and the cathedral provide an authentic historic flavor for the visitor.
Further north, in Ranchos de Taos Plaza, admire and point your 10 megapixel camera at the San Francisco de Asis Mission Church. Continue inside for a closer look at the historic Spanish mission.
Fort Union National Monument
Located less than 100 miles east of Santa Fe (off of I-25), Fort Union National Monument is home to what was the largest fort in the American Southwest. Fort Union was originally established in 1851 to help protect the Santa Fe Trail. Over the course of the next 40 years, three different forts were built on this site in close proximity to one another. Today, visitors are able to walk around the second fort and view the ruins of the third fort that served as “a military garrison, territorial arsenal, and military supply depot for the southwest.” The park is open year-round, seven days a week.
Bandelier National Monument
Frijoles Canyon is the central attraction for visitors. The canyon was inhabited by the Native American Pueblo people for about 400 years, from the 1100s to the 1500s. Rock paintings, ceremonial structures (known as “kivas”), and the ruins of pueblo houses can all be found at Bandelier National Monument. There is also a reconstructed kiva and a cave dwelling to explore at the aptly-named Ceremonial Cave. Park hours vary depending on season, but the park is open daily all year-round and is located less than 40 miles northwest of Santa Fe.
Historical Sites in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Taos, Northern New Mexico and Southern Colorado
Historical-Sites
|
|
|