Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument is a complex of three Spanish missions located near Mountainair, New Mexico. The area was originally inhabited by the Tiwa and Tompiro language-speaking pueblo people who operated a thriving trade community.
In the 1620’s, however, the Spanish missionaries and government came to the area. The Franciscan friars tried teaching and enforcing their faith on the Indians. At first the Indians were cooperative as the Spanish brought useful tools and other materials. For over 15 years, they helped the missionairies build big churches and learned their ways.
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