Tactile overriding feeling surrounds one walking within the walls once occupied by Kit Cason and his family. That feeling reinforces the quality of the Museum experience while telling the history of the building and the people through the museum exhibits. The history will also be evident in the touch and feel the visitor experiences as they move through the buildings.
Two Shaping Forces Echo Loudest
First was the decision of Kit Carson to buy the house. In seeking a wedding present for his new bride in 1843 and knowing that Josefa Jaramillo was connected with a politically important family in northern New Mexico, he wanted a house that would be equal to her social standing. He was offered a house that already belonged to family members, which guaranteed that it would be suitable to her family. The union of Carson, already a famous Mountain Man and Indian Scout, with the Jaramillo family, under the 21 vigas of the three-room adobe brought an added distinction to the structure. The house would not have gained a higher distinction without the association with the Carson/Jaramillo family with the property.
The short 25 years that the Carson family owned the house included times in which Taos "politicos" and prominent society were entertained. Carson's nationally known reputation, experiences and duties outside of New Mexico also brought Generals, traders, Mountain Men and Congressmen from throughout the country to the shade of the Carson portal. The forces of family and bonds of friendship brought together within those walls were to make the structure a symbol for the strength of their combined families.
