Credit: Nuestro Stories
Las Trampas was a town originally settled by 12 families of Spanish colonizers in 1751. Unlike most of the European settlements of the area, however, once those families took hold and the village grew, Las Trampas effectively became utterly untouched by the burgeoning growth of the outside world around them. Nonetheless, the growth of Las Trampas was definitely consistent.
From 1751 to 1776, it is reported that the number of families grew from the original twelve to sixty-three, making for a population of nearly 300 residents — one of a small grouping of villages created after the wave of Spanish colonization in the area. For hundreds of years, the town bloomed under an insular bubble, creating a culture of its own.
To date, Las Trampas Historic District is one of the most well-preserved examples of an original Spanish settlement in the United States, making the district, and anything within its grounds, part of a national landmark.
Read more: This Presidio Served as a Military Location for Four Independent Nations
One of the most revered pieces of the history of Las Trampas is the San Jose de Gracia church.
Construction first began on the structure in 1760, and unlike many of the surrounding towns with churches, or missions, San Jose de Gracia was built solely by the townspeople. It would be nearly 100 years before the people of Las Trampas began building residences outside the immediate area.
San Jose de Gracia is still an active parish and is open to the public on weekends to this day.
Things to know before you visit this Spanish colony:
- Las Trampas district and San Jose de Gracia church are located along Route 76, a little south of Taos, NM.
- For more information on when San Jose is open to the public, you can call 505-351-4360
Location: Chamisal, NM 87521
Address: 2381-2377, NM-76
View it here.
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