What is the history of New Mexico?
The history of New Mexico is based on archaeological evidence, attesting to the varying cultures of humans occupying the area of New Mexico since approximately 9200 BCE, and written records. The earliest peoples had migrated from northern areas of North America after leaving Siberia via the Bering Land Bridge.
What was the first Spanish settlement in New Mexico?
More than 50 years after Coronado, Juan de Oñate came north from Mexico with 500 Spanish settlers and soldiers and 7,000 head of livestock, founding the first Spanish settlement in New Mexico on July 11, 1598. The governor named the settlement San Juan de los Caballeros.
Who settled in the Albuquerque area first?
The Albuquerque area was settled the Tiwa people beginning around 1250. By the 1500s, there were around 20 Tiwa pueblos along a 60-mile (97 km) stretch of the middle Rio Grande valley. The region was visited by Spanish conquistadores beginning with the expedition of Francisco Vázquez de Coronado in 1540–41,...
Who were the inhabitants of the new settlements in New Mexico?
The inhabitants of these new settlements were mostly genizaros, natives and the descendants of natives who had been ransomed from the Comanche. Navajo and Apache raids continued to affect the territory.
What was the first settlement in New Mexico?
Peralta was told that San Gabriel, the capital, was too far removed from the centers of population so in 1610 he founded Villa Nueva de Santa Fe. This was the first Spanish settlement in New Mexico and it became the focus of most activity during the seventeenth century.
What is the history behind New Mexico?
The area that is New Mexico was claimed by Spain in the 16th century, became part of Mexico in 1821, and was ceded to the United States in 1848 (through the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo).
Who led the settlement of New Mexico?
Juan de Oñate (oh NYAH tay) born near Zacatecas, Mexico in about 1550 is remembered mainly for colonizing the territory now called New Mexico, in 1598.
How did settlers get to New Mexico?
Migration. The Camino Real, or Royal Road, provided the way for many settlers to travel across the vast Chihuahuan Desert to what is present day northern New Mexico. The arrival of the Spanish created great changes in the native culture, especially with the introduction of horses.
What's New Mexico known for?
New Mexico is known for:Diverse landscape.Birthplace of the nuclear bomb.Ancient Pueblo People.Los Alamos National Laboratory.The Roswell Incident.White sands.
What are some important historical events in New Mexico?
In 1706 it was established as the formal Villa de Alburquerque.1783 San Felipe de Neri Catholic Church Built. ... 1821 Mexico Acquires New Mexico. ... 1846 Albuquerque Under U.S. Control. ... 1862 City Surrenders During Civil War. ... 1880 Railroad Arrives. ... 1885 Albuquerque, the City. ... 1889 UNM Founded. ... 1912 New Mexico Joins the U.S.More items...
Why did the Spanish settle in New Mexico?
Spanish conquerors moved north of the Rio Grande in 1598 hoping to find gold and silver. Instead they found modest towns where Native peoples lived in adobe houses and practiced irrigation agriculture.
What are 5 interesting facts about New Mexico?
Here's 16 facts about New Mexico that you'd never guess.New Mexico is wine country. ... Taos Pueblo has been inhabited for over a thousand years. ... New Mexico has more PhDs per capita than any other state. ... Santa Fe is the nation's highest state capital. ... You can see five different states from the top of Capulin Volcano.More items...•
What brought people to New Mexico?
When Mexico achieved its independence from Spain in 1821, New Mexico became a province of Mexico, and trade was opened with the United States. In the next year, American settlers began arriving in New Mexico via the Santa Fe Trail. In 1846, the Mexican-American War erupted, and U.S. General Stephen W.
When did Americans settle New Mexico?
It was not until invading American troops reached New Mexico in August 1846 that they learned of war with the United States.
What was New Mexico called before 1912?
Mexico Nuevo MéxicoAt the conclusion of the Mexican–American War in 1848, the U.S. annexed New Mexico as part of the larger New Mexico Territory....New Mexico.New Mexico Nuevo México (Spanish) Yootó Hahoodzo (Navajo)Before statehoodNuevo México (1598–1848) New Mexico Territory (1850–1912)54 more rows
What came first Mexico or New Mexico?
The Naming of New Mexico In fact, New Mexico was established and named 223 years before the naming of Mexico in 1821. New Mexico's Spanish origin made cultural integration with Mexico difficult prompting the Chimayo rebellion against the Mexican governor who had invaded the lands at the time.
What are 5 interesting facts about New Mexico?
Here's 16 facts about New Mexico that you'd never guess.New Mexico is wine country. ... Taos Pueblo has been inhabited for over a thousand years. ... New Mexico has more PhDs per capita than any other state. ... Santa Fe is the nation's highest state capital. ... You can see five different states from the top of Capulin Volcano.More items...•
What was New Mexico called before 1912?
New Mexico had become part of the Spanish Kingdom in 1598 as part of the Imperial Spanish viceroyalty of New Spain. The Spanish settlers named the lands Nuevo México (New Mexico) after the Aztec Valley of the Rio Grande River in Mexico.
Why did New Mexico struggle a state?
New Mexico's 66-year, long and difficult road to become a part of the Union faced a variety of roadblocks in addition to being seen as outsiders. New Mexicans themselves were not all convinced that statehood was the best path forward plus partisan politics was also partly to blame.
What came first Mexico or New Mexico?
For more than 200 years, New Mexico existed as part of colonial Mexico, then for 25 years as a territory of Mexico. Those historical events shaped New Mexico and led to a war with the United States in 1846 that would change the state forever.
When did New Mexico become a state?
territory as part oft he Gadsen Purchase in 1853, though New Mexico did not become a U.S. state until 1912 .
What is the oldest state in the United States?
Interesting Facts. Constructed in 1610, the Palace of the Governors in Santa Fe is the oldest seat of government in the United States. On July 16, 1945, the world’s first atomic bomb was tested at the Trinity Site in central New Mexico.
Where did the Spanish language originate?
The Spanish language spoken by close to a quarter of a million people throughout New Mexico and southern Colorado is an ancient dialect that is largely Castilian in origin. The first atomic bombs were developed and tested in New Mexico during World War II.
Aztec Ruins National Monument
Aztec, NM The Aztec Ruins National Monument in northwest New Mexico preserves the structures and artifacts of Ancestral Pueblo people from the 1100s through 1200s. Explore the reconstructed Great Kiva, journey through a 900-year-old ancestral Pueblo Great House, and view the beautiful artifacts on display in the Visitor Center.
Bandelier National Monument
Los Alamos, NM Head into the extensive back country in north-central New Mexico to Bandelier National Monument, one of the National Park Service’s oldest sites.
Chaco Culture National Historical Park
Nageezi, NM A major center of Ancestral Puebloan culture, Chaco Canyon was a hub of ceremony, trade, and administration for the prehistoric Four Corners area. Visit the park’s six major ancestral sites, marvel at the incredible Chacoan architecture, enjoy miles of hiking trails, and experience Chaco’s unforgettable Night Sky Program.
El Morro National Monument
Ramah, NM A reliable waterhole hidden at its base made El Morro (or Inscription Rock) a popular campsite among explorers in western New Mexico for hundreds of years. As you hike your way to the top of the bluff, you will pass thousands of inscriptions left by Ancestral Puebloans, Spanish and, later, American travelers.
Gila Cliff Dwelling National Monument
Silver City, NM Gila Cliff Dwelling National Monument in southwestern New Mexico offers a glimpse of the homes and lives of the people of the Mogollón culture who lived in the Gila Wilderness from the 1280s through the early 1300s.
Petroglyph National Monument
Albuquerque, NM One of the largest petroglyph sites in North America, the Petroglyph National Monument west of Albuquerque protects a variety of cultural and natural resources including five volcanic cones, hundreds of archeological sites, and an estimated 25,000 petroglyphs and images carved by Native Americans and early Spanish settlers.
Three Rivers Petroglyph Site
Alamogordo, NM Three Rivers Petroglyph Site is one of the few locations in the Southwest set aside solely because of its rock art and one of the few sites that allow visitors direct access to petroglyphs.
Where are the early settlements in New Mexico?
Ruins of early native civilizations can be found in Chaco Canyon, at Aztec, and at Mesa Verde, located in present-day Colorado. These were Pueblo Indians who lived in huge buildings (one ruin is ...
When did the Spanish settle in New Mexico?
Spanish settlement of the region began in earnest following the conquest of New Mexico by Don Juan de Oñate in 1598. Oñate and his men established a headquarters at San Juan, near the confluence of the Río Grande and the Río Chama. In 1599, the Spaniards subdued the native peoples at Acoma and established the first permanent colony ...
What was the Santa Fe Ring?
Development of the region in the second half of the nineteenth century proceeded quickly under the influence of the Santa Fe Ring, a group of American bankers, lawyers, merchants, and politicians who promoted their interests in the region. Landgrabbing became one of the most lucrative activities among the members. In 1880, the railroad reached Albuquerque, and the following year, the Atlantic & Pacific Railroad and the Southern Pacific met at Deming, New Mexico. The region's population tripled over the next two decades as Americans migrated into the area in search of lands to mine, graze, and farm. Cattle barons on the eastern New Mexico plains provided beef on the hoof to Indians on reservations and soldiers at American military outposts.
Why did the population of New Mexico triple over the next two decades?
The region's population tripled over the next two decades as Americans migrated into the area in search of lands to mine, graze, and farm. Cattle barons on the eastern New Mexico plains provided beef on the hoof to Indians on reservations and soldiers at American military outposts.
Where did the Spanish find the Pueblos?
In the upper Río Grande Valley, the Spanish explorers found some twenty pueblos when they arrived in the sixteenth century. They took refuge there from Comanche and Apache bands, whose nomadic lifestyles depended on hunting and stealing, and who were less friendly to foreigners than the sedentary Pueblos.
When was the Agua Negra land grant granted?
The Agua Negra land grant was allotted to Antonio Sandoval on November 24, 1824, by the Republic of Mexico. On January 21, 1860, the land grant was confirmed by the Congress of the United States, with the acreage set at 17,631. In the spring of 1863, Mexican-American families moved to the banks of the Pecos River and established settlements on ...
Who conquered the Florida coast?
In 1527, Pánfilo de Narváez set out with an expedition of 300 men to conquer the provinces between the Río Grande and the cape of Florida. Early in 1528, the expedition explored the region near present-day Tampa Bay, where they heard stories about gold from the natives.
When did New Mexico become a state?
state until 1912 .
Who published the first book about New Mexico?
Gaspar de Villagra publishes epic history on the founding of New Mexico, the first book printed about any area in the modern United States. 1626 - Spanish Inquisition established in New Mexico. 1641 - Gov. Luis de Rosas assassinated by colonists during conflict between the church and state.
Why was Onate removed as governor and sent to Mexico City?
Onate removed as governor and sent to Mexico City to be tried for mistreatment of the Indians and abuse of power. Decision made by Spanish Crown to continue settlement of New Mexico as a royal province.
What happened in 1862?
1862 - February 12 - Battles of Velarde de and Glorieta Pass fought, ends confederate occupation of New Mexico. 1863-68 - Known as the "Long Walk," Navajos and Apaches are relocated to Bosque Redondo: finally allowed to return to their homelands after thousands die of disease and starvation. 1863 -.
What happened in 1881 in New Mexico?
Lincoln County War erupts in southeast New Mexico. 1881 - Billy the Kid shot by Sheriff Pat Garrett in Fort Sumner N.M. 1886 - Geronimo surrenders; Indian hostilities cease in the Southwest.
What territory did Texas claim?
Texas soldiers invade New Mexico and claim all land east of the Rio Grande.
How many square miles did the Gadsden Purchase add to the territory?
1854 - The Gadsden Purchase front Mexico adds 45,000 square miles to the territory
Why did people move to New Mexico?
People moved, to find more game and better land and soil for their fields, and because they faced opposition from different groups and communities . New Mexico, and the Northern Rio Grande area in particular, experienced intense occupation in the 12th and 13th centuries.
What was the role of New Mexico in the Civil War?
Early in the conflict, the Confederacy set its sights on the Santa Fe Trail to gain access to the gold fields of Colorado and the ports and gold fields of California. In February 1862, Confederate forces from Texas marched up the Río Grande to take the towns of Albuquerque and Santa Fe and, most importantly, the military supply depot at Fort Union in neighboring San Miguel County. They then planned to move on to the gold fields of Colorado. Along the way, they battled Union troops, captured the towns of Socorro and Albuquerque and the abandoned capital of Santa Fe; for more than two weeks the Confederate flag flew over the ancient Palace of the Governors.
Why were the men hanged in Santa Fe?
Pablo Montoya was hanged on the village plaza for his "rebellious conduct" against the United States, as were at least 15 other men. Later that summer, six more men were hanged at Santa Fe. A report of these final executions notes the sad tolling of all the church bells in Santa Fe in mourning as the men were hanged. It was a harrowing end to another tragic period in New Mexico history. In all, more than two dozen Hispanic and Indian men were hanged for their resistance to the conquest of New Mexico by U.S. forces.
What do descendants of the Pueblo peoples retain?
Descendants of the Pueblo peoples retain much of their ancient lands , and continue to speak their respective native languages, and to practice native religions. Similarly, descendants of Spanish explorers (the conquistadores) and settlers retain their cultural practices, a strong religious identity, and a dialect of the Spanish language dating to the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.
How many Spanish and Mexican grants were made in the Northern Rio Grande National Heritage Area?
In addition to Pueblo-owned lands, which are based on land grants made to Pueblos following the Reconquest of 1692, there were at least 90 Spanish and Mexican grants made within the Northern Rio Grande National Heritage Area between 1695 and the 1840s.
How did religion affect the Pueblo?
Like their tools, agriculture, and architecture, Pueblo societies were complex. Religion played an enormous role in their lives and communities. Relations , marred by competition for resources and warfare, were not always harmonious. People moved, to find more game and better land and soil for their fields, and because they faced opposition from different groups and communities.
Where did the Spanish establish their capital?
Renaming the village San Juan de Los Caballeros, here they established the first Spanish capital and Christian church in New Mexico.
Who was the first person to colonize New Mexico?
The first colonizing expedition into New Mexico was led by Juan de Oñate in 1598, after which settlers began to trickle into the middle Rio Grande valley along the Camino Real. In the vicinity of modern-day Albuquerque, missions were established at Isleta Pueblo in 1613 and Sandia Pueblo in 1617.
When did the settlers leave Albuquerque?
The settlers were driven out by the Pueblo Revolt in 1680. When they returned in 1692, they were able to re-settle the abandoned estancias. In 1706, the recently appointed governor of New Mexico, Francisco Cuervo y Valdés, officially designated the community as a royally chartered town and named it Alburquerque. The settlement remained small and dispersed throughout the 1700s, eventually coalescing into a series of plazas of which the largest was today's Old Town. Possession of the town, along with the rest of New Mexico, passed to Mexico in 1821 and then to the United States in 1846. These developments brought increased commerce and Albuquerque prospered as a trading hub and U.S. Army post.
What is the history of Albuquerque?
The history of Albuquerque, New Mexico dates back up to 12,000 years, beginning with the presence of Paleo-Indian hunter-gatherers in the region. Gradually, these nomadic people adopted a more settled, agricultural lifestyle and began to build multi-story stone or adobe dwellings now known as pueblos by 750 CE. The Albuquerque area was settled the Tiwa people beginning around 1250. By the 1500s , there were around 20 Tiwa pueblos along a 60-mile (97 km) stretch of the middle Rio Grande valley. The region was visited by Spanish conquistadores beginning with the expedition of Francisco Vázquez de Coronado in 1540–41, and began to be settled by Spanish colonists after the expedition of Juan de Oñate in 1598. By 1680, 17 Spanish estancias were reported along the Camino Real in the Albuquerque area.
How many people were killed by the Albuquerque Police Department in 2010?
The Albuquerque Police Department became a focus of headlines in the early 2010s due to the rate of shootings by police officers, with 27 people killed and 15 others wounded between 2010 and 2014. This was reported as the highest rate of fatal police shootings in the country. Many of those shot were dealing with mental illness, calling into question officers' preparedness for dealing with such situations. Criticism intensified even more after the shooting of James Boyd in early 2014, which sparked protests and vigils after lapel camera footage of the incident was made public. Later that year, the U.S. Department of Justice completed a 16-month investigation, concluding that APD had demonstrated a "pattern or practice of use of excessive force". While the rate of shootings has decreased since federally mandated changes were enacted, the department has struggled with officer recruitment and retention, falling to just 820 officers in 2016. This has been blamed in part for the city's rising crime rate and was a major issue in the 2017 mayoral election.
What was the population of Albuquerque in 1860?
The 1860 Census showed a population of 1,608, of which the army garrison made up about a third, and indicated that some Albuquerque residents had amassed considerable wealth. During the U.S. Civil War, Confederate troops under Henry Hopkins Sibley captured Albuquerque in March 1862 during the New Mexico Campaign.
How many people lived in Albuquerque in 1920?
By 1920, Albuquerque had a population of 15,157, and housing subdivisions had begun to extend eastward along Central Avenue. In 1922, the city saw construction of its first skyscraper, the nine-story First National Bank Building. At the same time, the number of automobiles in the city was rapidly increasing.
What was the Santa Fe Trail?
Beginning in the 1820s, the Santa Fe Trail brought American goods and merchants to New Mexico in ever -increasing numbers . Albuquerque's location on the Camino Real also made it a stopover for traders traveling south to the Mexican interior.
