Taos, << tows or TAH ohs >> (pop. 6,474), is a historic city in north-central New Mexico, just north of Santa Fe. Taos is three communities in one. Taos proper, which was originally founded as Don Fernando de Taos in the 1790’s, serves as a center of trade for the nearby farm and ranch region. The ancient Pueblo village of San Geronimo de Taos lies north of the town. To the south is the old Spanish farming center, Ranchos de Taos, established by Spaniards in the early 1700’s. All three communities lie at an elevation of about 7,000 feet (2,100 meters) at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in the Southern Rockies.
Sights of interest to visitors include the Plaza, the center of community life during the 1800’s; the Kit Carson Home and Museum, a residence of the famous frontiersman; the Governor Bent House and Museum, where territorial Governor Charles Bent was murdered during a revolt against American rule in 1847; the Millicent Rogers Museum, which displays the art of northern New Mexico; and Taos Pueblo, which stood on its present site in 1540 when Francisco Vásquez de Coronado led the first Europeans to the area.
In 1898, artists attracted by the local light and scenery established a Taos “art colony.” Taos has continued to draw artists and remains an important art center.
Taos has a mayor-council form of government. It is the seat of Taos County.
