[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 61 (Wednesday, May 5, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E749]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CELEBRATING THE 70TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INCORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF 
                                TAOS, NM

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                             HON. TOM UDALL

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 5, 2004

  Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an 
historic and outstanding community--Taos, New Mexico--and to 
congratulate the residents on the celebration of the town's 70th 
anniversary.
  On May 7, 2004, the Town of Taos will commemorate the 70th 
anniversary of its incorporation as a general law municipality in the 
State of New Mexico. This event will also mark 389 years since the King 
of Spain colonized the Taos area in 1615--five years before the 
Pilgrims landed in New England.
  Further, this will be the 209th anniversary since the Don Fernando de 
Taos land grant was declared an Ayuntamiento under the laws of the 
Spanish government in 1795. Finally, this will also mark 156 years 
since the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed by the United States 
and Mexico in 1848.
  It is the traditions of the long-established cultures that make Taos 
a proud community, a desirable place to live, and a wonderful place to 
visit. Although the Town of Taos celebrates its 70th birthday this 
month, we must not forget that it is an area that has been home to 
American Indians for nearly 1,000 years. The arrival of the Spanish 
Conquistadores, led by Capitan Hernan Alvarado on August 29, 1540, 
marked the beginning of the three cultures that would eventually 
dominate the area.
  Yet other newcomers emerged in the 18th century with the arrival of 
French and American traders. Taos, no more than a tiny mountain 
village, was transformed into a bustling trade center as wagon trains, 
frontier scouts and mountain men gathered. Taos was also the home of 
famous frontier scout Kit Carson, who is commemorated in a state park 
and museum.
  The once geographically-isolated village became more accessible when 
the Atcheson, Topeka and the Santa Fe Railroad reached Santa Fe. The 
era of America's love affair with the West had begun. As tales of the 
region's beauty spread, tourists, writers and artists from the east 
discovered northern New Mexico's uniqueness. Some settled permanently.
  By the end of the Roaring Twenties, Taos had an established 
reputation as a thriving art colony. Writer D.H. Lawrence is credited 
with saying, ``I think the skyline of Taos is the most beautiful I have 
ever seen. . .'' Perhaps the most prominent resident of the 20th 
century was none other than artist Georgia O'Keeffe.
  The incorporation of the Town of Taos began as a community-wide 
initiative after several large structure fires destroyed most of the 
plaza buildings in existence at the time.
  Community volunteers undertook an effort to organize a volunteer fire 
department, a community water supply system and a municipal form of 
government to ensure stability over the long term.
  Taos, sometimes described as ``The Soul of the Southwest,'' is a 
flourishing community today in New Mexico. A hundred galleries showcase 
the works of artists past and present, local and international. 
Scattered within walking distance around the plaza and along side 
streets lined with bright hollyhocks and geraniums, the galleries 
invite thousands of tourists each year. World-class contemporary fine 
art, southwestern art, sculpture, ceramic, crafts, jewelry, and 
weavings are longtime economic staples of the town.
  Wheeler Peak at over 13,000 feet looks down on the world-class Taos 
Ski Basin. During the warmer months, the area provides a scenic chair 
lift and trails for hiking, biking, horseback trips, llama treks and 
fishing.
  Today, as in the past, Taos is a mecca for a wide range of people who 
are attracted by its mystique, unique heritage, historical 
significance, and beauty.
  Mr. Speaker, I could speak for hours on the rich history of Taos. Let 
me finish by saying that this special occasion is a time for all 
Taosenos to honor 70 years of proud and noble history. While we are 
grateful for the past seven decades, I know that the best is yet to 
come. I ask that my colleagues join me as we honor all the 
contributions Taos has made to New Mexico.




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