El Rincon Trading Post, Taos, NM by Tim Stewart Via Flickr: **Taos Downtown Historic District** - National Register of Historic Places Ref # 82003340, date listed 7/8/1982 NM 3 and NM 240 Taos, NM (Taos County) The town of Don Fernando de Taos, established sometime between 1780 and 1800, ranks after San Geronimo de Taos Pueblo and Ranchos de Taos as one of the oldest settlements In the Taos Valley. It consists of a central plaza with surrounding residential areas to the north, west, southwest, southeast, and northeast. Don Fernando de Taos was originally constructed as a fortified plaza In response to continued raids on the Spanish settlers by the Comanche and Ute Indians. The town probably took on the plan typical of most settlements In Northern New Mexico: an open plaza area surrounded by low, flat-roofed adobe buildings with portals In front. No windows or opening faced out from the rear of the buildings, hence offering a unified, breechless battlement to the outside. Fortified watchtowers stood at each end of town, guarding the gated access to the plaza. (1) Built in 1809, this was the home of La Doña Luz in the mid-1800s. It later became the home of Ralph and Rowena Meyers, who opened the Mission Shop in 1909. This was the first trading post in Taos that carried Native American arts and crafts of the region. Ralph traveled to the surrounding reservations, buying and trading with knowledge and understanding. Few white men were as well loved and accepted by the Taos Pueblo Indians. Currently, the El Rincón Trading Post is a gift shop and museum, which includes El Rincón Bed & Breakfast. It is still owned and operated by descendants of Ralph and Rowena Meyers. (2) References (1) NRHP Nomination Form s3.amazonaws.com/NARAprodstorage/lz/electronic-records/rg... (2) Visit Taos taos.org/what-to-do/guided-tours/walking-tour-of-historic...