Kit Carson Home & Museum

If the inconclusive date of construction (1825) for the Kit Carson House can be established, there is a history of over 175 years of occupancy to be documented within this Historic Structure Report. From the broad view of the history of the structure, two shaping forces emerged which resulted in an important cultural resource being preserved and made available for visitors to learn and from which to enjoy.

Through the preservation of a single cultural resource, important on many levels to the history of Taos, visitors are able to learn about the history of a well-known Mountain Man, Army General and Masonic Lodge member, Christopher Houston "Kit" Carson. In addition, they are exposed to the simplicity of architecture, finishes and lifestyle setting for a family living in that era.

Tactile overriding feeling surrounds one walking within the walls once occupied by Kit Cason and his family. That feeling reinforces the quality of the Museum experience while telling the history of the building and the people through the museum exhibits. The history will also be evident in the touch and feel the visitor experiences as they move through the buildings.

First was the decision of Kit Carson to buy the house. In seeking a wedding present for his new bride in 1843 and knowing that Josefa Jaramillo was connected with a politically important family in northern New Mexico, he wanted a house that would be equal to her social standing. He was offered a house that already belonged to family members, which guaranteed that it would be suitable to her family. The union of Carson, already a famous Mountain Man and Indian Scout, with the Jaramillo family, under the 21 vigas of the three-room adobe brought an added distinction to the structure. The house would not have gained a higher distinction without the association with the Carson/Jaramillo family with the property.

The short 25 years that the Carson family owned the house included times in which Taos "politicos" and prominent society were entertained. Carson's nationally known reputation, experiences and duties outside of New Mexico also brought Generals, traders, Mountain Men and Congressmen from throughout the country to the shade of the Carson portal. The forces of family and bonds of friendship brought together within those walls were to make the structure a symbol for the strength of their combined families.

Carson was not apt to care if his name was associated with a building or place where the family aspect of his life was public. He hid much of the details of family life from his biographers and in his own remembrances.

The other "shaping force" that continues at work today and, possibly, of greater importance is the accumulation of efforts precipitated by the Masonic Lodge Brethren in NM and Taos to preserve the House.

The first of these events, in the undercurrent of the Masonic Order's expansion in New Mexico, was the inclusion of Kit Carson as a Brother in 1854. This would not have been a shaping force if the members had not also prevailed in their efforts to continue the work of the Lodge despite very small numbers.

Later, extensive forces came together again in the efforts of the Masonic Bent Lodge #42 members who made a fateful decision to focus substantial efforts to save the Kit Carson House. In the early 1900s the members recognized the need to preserve the house by acquiring the property. The efforts exerted resulted in the purchase of the property by the Grand Lodge of New Mexico in April of 1910. This event was followed by continued tireless efforts by the Masons and their wives to raise funds for restoration of the very dilapidated property. (See photos 1908).

Their goal had a stated purpose of preserving the "place" that best served as a monument to fellow Brother Kit Carson. He was one of several well-known local historic figures that were members of the Bent Lodge, but Carson's star shined a little brighter on a national basis and was certainly the most recognized name in the group.

The decision to purchase the house and make the house a place to honor and educate the public about their most famous member was followed, albeit many years later, by the substantial efforts by the Masonic Lodge to further restore and expand the use of the Kit Cason House and related properties for operation as a museum.

The Kit Carson Home and Museum is located at 228 Kit Carson Road in Taos, New Mexico. At the time that Carson owned the property, the road on the south side of the property was called Taos Canyon Road. Most deeds refer to this road as the public street.

The House and Museum properties consist of the original three-room, 21-viga home of Kit Cason and his wife, Josefa, purchased in 1843, and an 1830-1856 structure known as the Romero House. These two historic adobe structures were subsequently connected on the west by a 1951-52 concrete block structure and expanded in 1958, with a "reconstruction" of two rooms of the Romero house, which were all but non-existent.

A rental property was constructed on the adjoining property to the east in 1953. The purpose of this building was to produce a revenue stream to support the efforts of the museum. Portals were added at that time to the courtyard face of the Carson House, to the additions and to the Romero House in 1958.

Kit Carson Home & Museum
113 Kit Carson Road
Taos, New Mexico 87571
Phone (505) 758-4945
www.kitcarsonhome.com