Current Watch Site

Situated in the sun-baked valley of a Rio Grande tributary and continuously inhabited for 1,000 years, the community and architecture of Taos Pueblo exemplify the enduring spirit of the Pueblo people. This remarkable adobe ensemble consists of ceremonial structures and individual homes, built side-by-side and in layers through the use of common walls, and has retained its traditional forms up to the present day. In recent years doors and windows have been added, replacing some of the original ladder-accessed rooftop entries, but the Pueblo remains without electricity and modern plumbing, in accordance with tribal customs. As bearers of the cultural traditions of their tribe, the residents and governing council of Taos Pueblo are directly engaged in ongoing efforts to preserve the pueblo structures and the way of life that makes this vibrant community unique.

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992, Taos Pueblo has seen increasing visitor traffic and public curiosity about its history and practices. Growth of the nearby modern town of Taos has brought added development pressures. Tourism provides economic benefits and enhances cross-cultural understanding, but it is intricately balanced with the sovereignty and livability of the community and the sacred nature of this timeless place. To ensure continued balance, the Pueblo’s Tribal Council and the National Park Service, the steward of all World Heritage sites in the United States, have agreed to engage in a cooperative planning process for the long-term preservation and management of Taos Pueblo.

UPDATE

WMF staff is working with the leadership of the Pueblo and staff at the National Park Service to support the tribe’s efforts to preserve and protect this sacred site. Funding has been raised for the development of a conservation management plan and training. July 2010