Taos, town (1990 pop. 4,065), alt. c.7,000 ft (2,130 m), seat of Taos co., N N.Mex., between the Rio Grande and the Sangre de Cristo Mts.; founded c.1615, inc. 1934. In an area of pueblos and scenic beauty, Taos developed as an art colony (principally after 1898) and attracted many painters and writers, notably John Marin and D. H. Lawrence. Artist organizations and galleries include the Harwood Foundation (gallery, studios, and school; operated by the Univ. of New Mexico). The town was founded in the early 17th cent. by Spaniards. For many years, Taos was an important Native American and Spanish trading point. It was the center of the Pueblo revolt (1680) and of a Native American uprising (1847). Kit Carson's grave and preserved house (1825) are there. The city is also the headquarters for Carson National Forest.

Taos, pueblo (1990 pop. 1,187), Taos co., N N.Mex., on a branch of the Rio Grande. The inhabitants, Pueblo of the Tanoan linguistic family, raise grain and livestock. In the early 17th cent., Taos became the seat of the Spanish mission of San Gerónimo; in the Pueblo revolt of 1680, led by Popé, the mission was destroyed. A second revolt occurred in 1847. The ancient Pueblo communal dwellings in Taos are considered architectural masterpieces.

Town (pop., 2000: 4,700) and resort, northern New Mexico, U.S. Located on a branch of the Rio Grande in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Taos is composed of three villages: Don Fernando de Taos (known as Taos), the pueblo of San Geronimo (Taos Pueblo), and the Ranchos de Taos. An early Spanish settlement, it was the scene of a revolt (1680) of Taos and other Pueblo Indians against Spain and later was an important commercial centre on the Santa Fe Trail. In the 20th century artists and writers moved there, including D.H. Lawrence. Lawrence's home and that of Kit Carson are historic sites; Carson's grave is in a memorial state park.

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