Tonque Pueblo

In the 1970s and 80s, my husband and I often visited the area. Once we drove his 1933 Chrysler out to the Pueblo and ended up spending the night under the stars.

Image of Tonque and surrounding area

The history of the pueblo and the surrounding area always interested me. Years ago, we had permission from the Diamond Tail ranch foreman to bring university students and school children on field trips. We dug dry clay, formed pinch pots, and burnished them for pit firing.

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There were many petroglyphs etched into the canyon walls.

Image of Tonque Brick Factory

Tonque Brick and Tile Company

In 1912, during Hagan’s coal mining development, a brick factory was constructed at the south-western corner of the pueblo ruins. The company made use of the rich clay deposits for thirty years producing bricks and tiles.

A brick from the Tonque Brick & Tile Company

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