The story of Zia is one of tragedy and difficult problems of existence.
Located on a basalt flow on the north bank of the Jemez River some
fifteen miles above its junction with the Rio Grande, Zia has poor land
and a limited supply of irrigation water. Agriculture is the main
economic pursuit, but the pueblo’s unfortunate location makes trading
for part of its food supply necessary.
Oñate reported Zia to be a large pueblo. However, it suffered greatly
because of its participation in the Pueblo Revolt. Some historians
estimate that during the reconquest, nearly 600 of the people of Zia
were killed defending themselves from the Spanish. Continued wars and
pestilence reduced the pueblo to a very few families. Over the past
century, the group has again showed signs of growth and now has a
population of more than 300.
The church at Zia dates from 1692, and thus represents one of the fine
examples of ancient Franciscan architecture in New Mexico. The annual
festival, dedicated to Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion, is celebrated with
an excellent Corn Dance on August 15.