9781422286197

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Southwest: New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas

The Taos Pueblo has been inhabited by Native Americans for more than 1,000 years. It is located about a mile (1.6 km) north of the modern city of Taos. The United Nations has desig- nated Taos Pueblo a “World Heritage Site.” Inhabitants of the pueblo painted their doors blue, believing that this would prevent evil spirits from entering their homes.

their domesticated animals. They built up immunities to measles and small pox. These diseases and others deci- mated the American Indians. Estevanico, an enslaved scout, became the first African to step into New Mexico. He led the 1539 expedi- tion from Mexico for priest Marcos de Niza. Niza was searching for Cibola, the fabled seven cities of gold. Zunis killed Estevanico. Fearful for his life, Niza returned to Mexico City and reported seeing one city of gold. From 1540 to 1542, Francisco Vásquez de Coronado led an expedi-

Apache entered New Mexico as early as 1,000 years ago. Navajos followed the ways of the Anasazi, creating set- tlements and growing foods. The Apaches remained nomadic. By the time Europeans arrived, about 80 different native communities lived in New Mexico. They included the Hopi and Zuni cultures. The Spanish conquistadors brought horses and guns—technology that helped Europeans to conquer native people. They also brought an unin- tended weapon—diseases. Europeans had lived closely among each other and