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Free Traveling Guides » States » New Mexico » Greater New Mexico Hacienda Martinez
Martinez Hacienda, situated in Taos, New Mexico, was constructed in the Spanish colonial era. This hacienda has also been designated as a National Historic Landmark. “Hacienda”, in Spanish language, means ‘a large house’. However, Martinez Hacienda is not a hacienda in the genuine sense of the word. This magnificent building was constructed in the year 1804 by Severino Martinez, father of the famous Antonio Jose Martinez who fought with the French Bishop Lamy to preserve the Hispanic character of the Catholic Church.
This 21-room hacienda was made in a typical fortress style to ward off attacks by Apache and Comanche raiders. It had massive adobe walls and was a significant trade center in the northern boundary of the Spanish Empire. Hacienda de los Martinez was also the headquarters for an extensive farming and ranching operation. In 1972, it was sold to the Taos Historic Museums.
At present, it has been completely restored and converted into a living museum that is devoted to the early Hispanic settlers in the Taos Valley. It hosts a number of demonstrations that illustrate the continuing traditions of northern New Mexico. The annual Trade Fair, organized by the Museum every September, helps the visitors to relive the 19th century Taos. In fact, it is one of the very few Northern New Mexico style Spanish haciendas that are open to the public. Hacienda Martinez is one of the “Great Houses” remaining in the American Southwest and is certainly worth a visit.
- Mailing Address: Ranchitos Road,
PO Drawer CCC,
Taos, NM 87571
- Telephone: (505) 758-0505
- Hours: 9 AM - 5 PM daily, except major holidays. Call for winter hours.
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