Kit Carson House, Dedicated to Preserving our History!

At The Carson House & Museum in Taos, New Mexico we are dedicated to preserving the early history of our region. The home is a National Historic Landmark as well as being listed on the New Mexico Cultural Properties Register. The non-profit is committed to preserving the site while developing a museum dedicated to the critical exploration of the complicated history and consequences of US Westward expansion into the Northern Rio Grande Valley.

Christoher “Kit” Carson was a figure of consequence in the history of the American West. He was a skilled guide and scout, Indian Agent for the Northern New Mexico Territory, Presidential courier, and U.S. Army Officer as well as a husband and father. Fluent in multiple languages he was especially effective communicating on the frontier. His life experience and choices offer us invaluable insights into 19th-century America and the US westward expansion. We are committed to sharing his story in context with broader perspectives and authenticity

Carson fought in three significant wars. Kit fought in the Mexican-American War with General Kearny's forces at the Battle of San Pasqual. Later as a Colonel he led the First New Mexico Volunteers against Confederate forces at the Civil War Battle of Valverde, New Mexico. He later fought in the Indian Wars and led campaigns against the Mescalero Apache and Navajo. Carson was brevetted Brigadier General by orders from President Abraham Lincoln. He was the only General in US Army history who could neither read nor write.

The structure celebrated its 200-year birthday in 2025. The site has recently been awarded a Save America's Treasures Grant from the National Park Service in the amount of $750K. The grant requires a 1:1 dollar match -please go to our website and click on Donate to be a part of the effort!

The Restoration Project will focus on the preservation and rehabilitation of the Carson Home and surrounding structures. The goal will be to restore the National Historic Landmark and develop a museum to accommodate historical exhibits, interpretative graphics, interactive multimedia features, and historical artifacts. https://www.kitcarsonhouse.org/restoration-efforts https://www.kitcarsonhouse.org/restoration-efforts

We look forward to welcoming you to the Kit Carson House Museum in Taos, NM and exploring the deep history and exploration of our Native People and the impact Kit Carson had! https://www.kitcarsonhouse.org/