The Hacienda de los Martinez is among the northern New Mexico style ?Great Houses? remaining in Southwest America. Constructed by Severino Martin in 1804, during the Spanish Colonial Period, the structure was a significant trade center for the Spanish Empire?s northern boundary.

Severino and Maria del Carmen Santistevan Martinez brought up their 6 children in this Hacienda. Padre Antonio Martinez, their eldest son, preserved the Catholic Church?s Hispanic character in the area by battling the French Bishop Lamy. He was considered as an active social reformer who established the 1st co-educational school in the state. He was also responsible for bringing the 1st printing press to Taos.

In 1821, after attaining freedom from the Spaniards, the Martinez family participated in the trading with Americans who brought trade goods via the Santa Fe Trail.

Now, the 21-room Hacienda offers its visitors the opportunity to be enlightened on the earlier times of Taos. This historical landmarks also provides scheduled demonstrations that will enrich one?s grasp of the culture and traditions of northern New Mexico.