Old Zuni Mission

The Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe Mission, also known as the Old Zuni Mission, is located in Zuni, New Mexico. The Mission was founded in 1629 by Fray Roque de Figueredo as part of the effort by the Spanish to colonize ancestral puebloan peoples.  It was in use until 1632 when the A:shiwi (Zuni people) revolted against the demands placed upon them by the Spanish and killed two Frianciscan friars.  The Mission was rebuilt several times between the years 1650 and 1651.  In 1680, the A:shiwi joined the Pueblo Revolt against Spanish colonizers in what was known then as the province of Santa Fe de Nuevo México, which is now present day New Mexico.  The Mission was burned during the Pueblo Revolt. 

A timeline of events after the Pueblo Revolt:

1700 - The Mission was restablished and repaired by Fray Juan de Garaycoechea

Around 1776 - Distance and disinterest made it difficult to retain a resident priest

1824 - No priest(s) posted at the Mission

1890s - The Mission is in a ruined state and the importance of the Mission declines. 

1966-1970 - Excavation amd restoration of the Mission by the National Park Service

1975 - Zuni artist Alex Seowtewa begins painting life-size Zuni religious figures on the south wall.

2004 -  The Pueblo of Zuni takes ownership of the Mission.

Currently, the Mission is closed to tours due to continued deterioration.