Tapacito Pueblito, North of confluence of Tapacito & Largo Canyons, Dulce, Rio Arriba County, NM

Significance: The Pueblo Revolt of 1680 and subsequent Spanish reconquest of 1692 forced many Pueblo tribes to flee westward and seek temporary refuge with the Navajo. Tapacito Pueblito was one such refugee site. Tree-ring dates indicate that the Pueblito was constructed between 1690 and 1694, making it one of the earliest known sites within the Dinetah (homeland of the Navajo). Situated on an isolated mesa top, the Pueblito possesses an expansive view up Largo Canyon. Access to the structure was limited to exterior roof hatchways. The structure contains both Pueblo and Spanish architectural elements including massive stone walls, viga and latilla roof construction, interior wall plaster, and the remnants of corner, hooded fireplaces. Hearths, foundations of forked-stick hogans (the traditional dwelling of the Navajo), tinajas (natural sandstone basins used to collect rain water), and trash middens surround the Pueblito. The archeological site, containing a mixture of Navajo and Pueblo features was abandoned some time around 1750.
Unprocessed Field note material exists for this structure: N560
Survey number: HABS NM-156
Building/structure dates: ca. 1690- ca. 1694 Initial Construction