Tesuque is a small village, perhaps numbering no more than 150 persons.
Even though it has always been small, it holds a major place in the
history of New Mexico. It was at Tesuque that the first blood was shed
in the Pueblo Revolt of 1680. On August 9, Cristobal de Herrera was
murdered, and two Tesuque Indians rushed to Santa Fe to warn the Spanish
governor of the impending rebellion. The Indian leaders, now aware that
their plot was known, moved the date of the revolt from August 13 to
August 10. On August 10, Father Pio, in charge of the Tesuque mission,
went out from Santa Fe to say Mass and also was murdered.
[Illustration: (_Forest Service, U.S.D.A._)
Most-painted church in America?... Ranchos de Taos]
Although its handicrafts are of poor quality, the Tesuque Indian
ceremonials are colorful and authentic. The people have retained much of
their early culture while living in proximity to the white man (Santa Fe
is only nine miles distant). The pueblo’s most important festival falls
on November 12.