But the Catholic missionaries found thousands of potential converts, and by 1680 they had built some 80 missions around the state. Eventually, resentment over the imposition of Spanish culture and the repression of indigenous religions poured forth in the highly organized Pueblo Revolt of 1680. On August 9, Indians throughout the region overthrew their colonizers, burned their churches and killed their priests. Worship in today's Pueblos is a fascinating blend of the two ways of honoring and petitioning the Creator. For example, each Pueblo celebrates the feast day of its patron saint with a day of native ceremonial dancing.
Spanish influence permeates New Mexico.
Caravans of Spanish colonizers making the six-month trek northward brought mining and forging techniques to the Indians, teaching them to use metals for weapons, tools and art. They also brought cattle and sheep and taught the Indians how to raise them. They introduced horses, which would eventually be used in warfare against them. They even brought the wheel, opening the door to a new world of technology. Hispanic influence is visible in architecture, folk art, contemporary art and clothing.