History

• According to the Handbook of Texas Online, archaeological evidence suggests that adobe building originated in the ancient Middle East. However, the website observes that many cultures in arid climates developed the same technology. The Spanish brought adobe construction to the American southwest during the 16th century, but the indigenous people of the area were using adobe building techniques long before the Spanish arrived.
  
  

Adobe Construction

• The Spanish and Native Americans used adobe to build homes and other structures. For example, the Pueblo people of New Mexico built one and two story adobe houses in Taos and Acoma Pueblo. One famous example of early Spanish adobe construction is the San Antonio de Valero Mission in Texas, better known as the Alamo.
  
  

Current Use

• Adobe construction is still used in the southwestern United States. The Southwest Solar Adobe School in New Mexico offers classes in constructing buildings using rammed earth and adobe techniques. Many southwestern architects specialize in building modern homes using ecologically friendly adobe materials.