Near Mountainair in Torrance County, New Mexico — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Seat of the Inquisition
⎯⎯⎯
Sede de la inquisición
Photographed by James Hulse, April 10, 2025
1. Seat of the Inquisition / Sede de la inquisición Marker
The "seat of the Inquisition" was wherever the churchman named to head the "Holy Office" resided. In the 1630s, that was here at Quarai.Hearings to investigate Spanish settlers accused of wrong doctrine or behavior were often held in courtyards like this. Many charges involved superstitions, unfaithfulness, love potions, witchcraft, or blasphemy. The indigenous people were not subject to scrutiny by the Inquisition, but they were often called to testify. The accused, like Captain Aguilar or Governor López de Mendizábal, were bound and sent to Mexico City for trial.
Seal of the Inquisition
La sede de la inquisición se hallaba en el lugar donde el religioso encomendado a encabezar el "Santo Oficio" residiera. En los años de 1630, ese lugar era Quarai.
Investigaciones contra colonos españoles acusados de mala doctrina o conducta incluyendo asuntos de supersticiones, herejías, pociones de amor, brujería o blasfemia se llevaron a cabo en patios como éste. Aunque no fueron sujetos del escrutinio de la inquisición, regularmente les
this page online
Sello del Santo Oficio
Erected by Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Hispanic Americans • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Religion & Religious Structures • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1630.
Location. 34° 35.759′ N, 106° 17.741′ W. Marker is near Mountainair, New Mexico, in Torrance County. It is on Manzano Quari Road one mile west of New Mexico Route 55. The marker is located on the Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument - Quarai Unit. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 122 Manzano Quari Rd, Mountainair NM 87036, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Albuquerque. It is also in the American Southwest. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Torreón (within shouting distance of this marker); Administration of Souls / Administración de almas (within shouting distance of this marker); 1830 Church / Iglesia de 1830 (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Village of Quarai / Pueblo de Quaral (about
Photographed by James Hulse, April 10, 2025
2. The view of the courtyard and the Seat of the Inquisition Marker
Also see . . . Salt, Societies, and Spirituality: A Tale of Diverse Cultures. Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument
Tucked away in the middle of New Mexico you’ll find Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument. Its three distinct sites offer a glimpse into a unique time in history—a time entrenched with cultural borrowing, conflict and struggles. These sites continue to stand as reminders of the Spanish and Pueblo peoples’ early encounters and prompt exploration of today’s interactions among different people.(Submitted on June 7, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)
Photographed by James Hulse, April 10, 2025
3. A view of the Pueblo and the Seat of the Inquisition Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on June 9, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 7, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 120 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 9, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
