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July 13, 2014 - Taos Pueblo
The Taos Pueblo is the oldest continually inhabitated community in the United States.
The only modern convenience allowed in the ancient pueblos is propane mainly because the installation is much less destructive to original buildings than electric and plumbing. They still get their water from the river. The pueblo which looks much the same as when the Spanish arrived is always in a state of repair and construction.
Older versions of adobe construction have been improved for stability. Once entry was only through the roofs for greater security. Now they are allowed doors and windows.
The original church was built by local "volunteers" around 1619, a year before the Pilgrams sailed.
As was common throughout the West Indians were forced into Christianity and slavery in order to become "civilized". The church, with a few hundred women and children inside, was destroyed by the US Army in 1847, 11 years after the Alamo, during the Mexican war.
This church, also built by "volunteers" in 1850, is the newest building in the pueblo. Some of the locals we talked to won't go into the church. Can't imagine why. Most of the really bad stuff was done under the Spanish. Of course the USA would never treat people like that. Never? Well, hardly ever.
 
The Taos Indians lost most of their tribal lands in 1906 when Teddy Roosevelt created the national forests. It was Rosevelt's idea to keep it untouched by development. Later the "real" Republicans took over and began logging, drilling and mining. After decades of court battles with the help of President Richard Nixon the Taos were one of the only US tribes to recover tribal lands. The EPA, also part of the Nixon administration, helps keep their only source of water drinkable. These folks like Nixon.
Lots of us tourists were taking photos but this guy was a little more serious than most.
 
Of just because you live in a thousand year old building doesn't mean you can't use slightly more modern methods of getting there.
The Pow Wow: The term probably comes from a mispronunciation of a term from a New England tribe but it's part of our language now.
 Here dancers and musicians compete in all sorts of categories. The Pow Wow has become standardized and I'm told does not represent what you would have seen in Native American villages 200 years ago.
This Swiss woman, here for 35 years, was selling local crafts including silver belts. Now I have another belt this one not made in China like the one from Gallup.
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