Laguna Pueblo is the youngest and second largest of the pueblos in New
Mexico. Built in 1697, shortly after the reconquest by de Vargas, the
name was derived from a large lake which existed at one time just west
of the village. In addition to the main village, a number of small
settlements have developed where the terrain is suitable for
agriculture, the main occupation of the Lagunas. The most important of
these villages are Paguate, Encinal, Paraje, Mesita, Seama, and Casa
Blanca. The Laguna Indians are of mixed origin, composed of four
linguistic stocks: Tano, Keres, Shoshone, and Zuni.
[Illustration: Rock-walled Santa Maria mission, Laguna Reservation]
Although the occupation of the pueblo was traditionally agriculture, in
recent years a moderate revolution has been visible. The people of
Laguna are in the middle of one of the richest uranium mining areas in
the world, and many of them have been employed in mining activities.
Also, the pueblo lies on the main line of the Santa Fe Railway, allowing
some employment with the railroad. Laguna Pueblo is one of the most
progressive of all the Indian groups in New Mexico. It has a population
well in excess of 3000.
Located at Laguna is the San Jose de Laguna mission, built in 1699. The
plaster on the building is native earth. Indian symbols are painted on
the ceiling of the chancel, and a large picture of St. Joseph done on
elk skin hangs on the reredos. The halos on the saints are triangular
rather than circular. The altar is covered with animal skins painted
with Christian symbols.