New Mexico Mission Churches

by Donna Blake Birchell

Before Spanish rule, the land now known as New Mexico was inhabited by many indigenous tribes and pueblos with their own religious beliefs. When conquistadors arrived to search for the Seven Cities of Gold, they created settlements in the pueblos they conquered and forced Catholicism on the people they enslaved. While several of these original missions were destroyed during the Revolt of 1680, the surviving churches are cherished by the communities they now serve. Author Donna Blake Birchell guides you through the unique histories of more than twenty mission churches, their struggles and triumphs over the centuries and the preservation challenges they now face.

176 pages, Paperback

Published April 5, 2021

Reviews

[Brace1737 · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very good introduction to Spanish colonial New Mexico history for tourists and newcomers to New Mexico