Abandoned San Geronimo Church
This shot was taken in the Taos Pueblo in Taos, New Mexico. The abandonded ruins of the San Geronimo church is the site of the cemetery for the Pueblo people – a reminder of violent times when the church was bombarded by the U.S. Cavalry in retaliation for the murder of the then New Mexico Governor in the Pueblo Uprising. Many elders, women and children were killed as they sought shelter in the church. The Pueblo people chose to leave the remains of the church intact and bury their dead in the hallowed ground in and around the ruins.
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I wouldn’t mind taking a seat at the top of that structure and drafting out a story. I bet those ruins have thousands of them.
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I agree, Carrie. I think that bell tower would have lots of stories to tell.
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That’s a really sad story, but it’s still so eerily beautiful. Lovely shot!
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It is a sad story, but the ruins and the cemetery are so beautiful. They’re also in an amazing setting with the Sangre de Cristo (Blood of Christ) Mountains all around. Thanks, Jennifer.
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Thank you for sharing this photo and the story behind it, Cathy. I’d not heard about either before your post.
Russ
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Thank you, Russ. So nice to hear from you!
Cathy
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I read this post on my lunch break here at The Grind, Cathy. It prompted me to check out what the Taos revolt was about. Quite a tragic massacre. My first thought was that this should be a movie, but it would be too expensive to make as an indie and I don’t think Hollywood would go for it since there’s not a role in it for Jennifer Lawrence. She’s #1 at the box office today. And Sandra Bullock is #2.
As usual, a beautifully framed shot.
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Ha! So interesting about Jennifer Lawrence and Sandra Bullock! I think we’ve returned to the days of Hollywood superstars. It’ll be interesting to see the results of the Oscars tomorrow night. My sister and I text our impressions of the event (including what we think about the attire of said stars!).
Yes, the massacre of the Taos Pueblo was tragic. I think the decision to rebuild the church on a different site and use this one for a cemetery made it a powerful reminder of those violent times as well as a memorial to those who died in the church. I find it hauntingly beautiful! As always, thanks for sharing your impressions, V!
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Nice! It does look kind of lonely…
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Thanks, Susie. I agree – it does feel lonely. But it’s in such a beautiful setting and I think the Pueblo people wanted to memorialize those who were killed in the massacre. The remains of the structure carry their own beauty.
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Thanks for sharing the story, too, Cathy. Just FYI, you have an extra “d” in “Abandoned.” 🙂
janet
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Yikes! I think I was tired yesterday! Thanks so much for pointing out the misspelling! I take pride in my ability to spell, but I certainly missed this one. Thanks, Janet!
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I’m the same way, Cathy.
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I definetely want to read more in this! I know what I’m doing at work tomorrow. Great photograph and awesome share Cathy.
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Thank you, Audra. I love the history of the West, even to be reminded of those violent times. I’m glad the Pueblo people chose to leave the ruins as they stand. A beautiful and haunting reminder!
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This is so fascinating, Cathy. Great photo!
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Thanks, Amy!
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Very interesting place, very nice photo.
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Thank you, Mary. It is beautiful and haunting at the same time!
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That is deeply moving, Cathy! Haunting… literally and figuratively. Wow.
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Thanks, Dawn. I must admit, I was happy with the capture of the bell tower. The adobe bricks really do stand out in this shot.
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What a hauntingly beautiful image of that tragic history. History is important to learn and I hadn’t known about this so thank you for sharing. And thank you for sharing this incredible photo! A lovely embodiment of ‘abandoned’. Hugs, Gina
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I agree, Gina. It is so important to learn of our history, hopefully so we don’t make the same mistakes. I think the Pueblo people were wise to leave the ruins intact and make this place into a cemetery – a symbol of their history for all to see.
Hugs to you!
Cathy
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I was thinking the same thing! To allow it to be a reminder. And like you said, may we not make the same mistakes. 🙂
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That sky is very trippy!
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It was an interesting sky that day, or at least the moment I took that shot. What’s with that?
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The history is so sad but the photograph is brilliant!
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It is sad. But it’s such a beautiful place. Thank you.
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I love ruins, and your photograph of this one is beautiful. The story behind it is sad, but it’s no doubt one we need to remember. I imagine this place must have a very special feel to it.
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Thanks, Lee. It does have a special feel. While I am by no means an expert, my sense is that the Pueblo people feel some level of pride about their history and their willingness to resist oppression, and the ruins of this church are a reminder of their strength and sacrifice for that independence.
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