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Tesuque Pueblo
The name Tesuque is a Spanish variation of the Tewa name, Te Tesugeh Oweengeh, meaning the "village of the narrow place of the cottonwood trees." The pueblo is one of the state's smallest pueblos with a population of about 806 (Census 2000), but its members are proud of their rich heritage.
Located in the soft red-brown foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains 10 miles (16 km) north of Santa Fe off U.S. 84-285, Tesuque Pueblo has an air of centuries-old tranquility. Situated around a large central plaza, evidence indicates the pueblo has stood on this site since 1200 A.D. and it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The entrance to the pueblo lies just south of Camel Rock, a fascinating natural sandstone formation that wind and rain have eroded into the shape of a camel. There are many fine artists at Tesuque who create pottery, paintings and sculpture. You will also see some silverwork and traditional clothing made at the pueblo.
The Tesuque people are one of the most traditional of all New Mexico Pueblos in observing ceremonies and preserving culture. The annual Feast Day of San Diego on Nov. 12, the Christmas Day Celebration, the Three Kings Day festivities in January and the Corn Dance on the first weekend in June are all open to the public. Photography is not allowed.
Today the people of Tesuque speak their native Tewa, English and a few converse in Spanish. The reservation encompasses more than 17,000 acres, including Aspen Ranch and the Vigil Land Grant high in the Santa Fe National Forest.
Just across the highway from Camel Rock, Tesuque Pueblo operates Camel Rock Casino, www.camelrockcasino.com (505) 984-8414, (800) 462-2635, which also has an arts and crafts gift store. The tribe also operates the Tesuque Pueblo Flea Market on Opera Hill, just off U.S. 84/285 north of Santa Fe, with more 1,200 booths every weekend from February to December, and Camel Rock Suites, 3007 S. St. Francis Dr. in Santa Fe, (877) or (505) 989-3600.
The pueblo is closed to the public on certain days of the year so call ahead before visiting.
Tesuque Pueblo
Rt. 5 Box 360-T
Santa Fe, NM 87506
Phone: (505) 983-2667/988-3620
(800) 483-1040
Fax: (505) 982-2331