Rio Lucio in Taos County, New Mexico — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Pueblo of Picuris
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 23, 2015
1. Pueblo of Picuris Marker
When Spaniards arrived at Picuris in 1591, they described the pueblo as consisting of nine-story roomblocks. The church is named for its patron saint, San Lorenzo, and according to oral tradition has been rebuilt five times. The original church was destroyed in the 1680 Pueblo Revolt and rebuilt ca. 1776. Following a multi-year restoration, it was rededicated on August 10, in 2000, an annual feast day and the 320th anniversary of the uprising. The name Picuris means "those who paint" in Tiwa. Once one of the largest pueblos, today Picuris is among New Mexico's smallest.
Erected by New Mexico Historic Preservation Division.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical year for this entry is 1591.
Location. 36° 11.422′ N, 105° 42.666′ W. Marker is in Rio Lucio, New Mexico, in Taos County. It is at the intersection of State Road 75 and BIA 201 (Connector Road 201 Connector Road), on the left when traveling east on State Road 75. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Penasco NM 87553, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Northern New Mexico. It is also in the American Southwest and in the Mountain West. Globally, it is in North America, the Rocky Mountains, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also the Republic of Texas.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 13 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Maria Ramita Simbola Martinez "Summer Harvest" (1884-1969)
this page online
More about this marker. The marker is at the east end of a loop road route to Picuris Pueblo.
Additional keywords. Northern pueblos, penasco, vadito, Rio Grande
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 23, 2015
2. Pueblo of Picuris Marker
June 7, 2011
3. Pueblo of Picuris Marker (previous version)
The Pueblo of Picuris, first visited by Spaniards in 1591, was described as being 7 to 8 stories high. In the 18th century Picuris cooperated with the Spaniards against the raids of the Plains Indians. The church, the third at this pueblo, dates from the 1770's.
July 6, 2011
4. Pueblo of Picuris Marker (previous version)
The marker looking northwest.
June 7, 2011
5. North from the Pueblo of Picuris Marker
June 7, 2011
6. Looking South from the Pueblo of Picuris Marker
June 7, 2011
7. Looking west, Pueblo of Picuris Marker
June 7, 2011
8. Pueblo of Picuris Marker reverse
June 7, 2011
9. Pueblo of Picuris Marker east on NM 75
June 7, 2011
10. Pueblo of Picuris from the south
June 7, 2011
11. Pueblo of Picuris visitor's center
June 7, 2011
12. Pueblo of Picuris Church, entry to church yard
June 7, 2011
13. Pueblo of Picuris Church
Photographed by Thomas Chris English, circa June 7, 2011
14. Pueblo of Picuris Tribal Center
Credits. This page was last revised on October 17, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 27, 2011. This page has been viewed 1,558 times since then and 59 times this year. Last updated on July 30, 2025. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 26, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13. submitted on June 27, 2011. 14. submitted on July 6, 2011, by Chris English of Phoenix, Arizona. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
