New Mexico History: The Struggle to Become a State

By Bree_Mcd
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    Mexican-American War

    The U.S. Army invades and captures New Mexico in the Mexican-American War in 1846.
    The Mexican-American War ends with the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1850.

  • Compromise of 1850

    As part of the Compromise of 1850, New Mexico becomes a territory of the United States.

  • The Civil War

    The Civil War
    The Civil War begins; Confederate troops occupy southern New Mexico.

  • Kit Carson

    Kit Carson
    Kit Carson defeats the Navajo's, who are then forced on the Long Walk to Bosque Redondo.

  • Mescalero Apache

    Mescalero Apache
    Mescalero Apaches held at Bosque Redondo flee to their homeland to the south.

  • John Tunstall

    John Tunstall
    John Tunstall is killed, starting the Lincoln County War.

  • Railroad

    Railroad
    The Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railroad builds the first tracks into New Mexico.

  • Billy the Kid

    Billy the Kid
    Sheriff Pat Garrett kills Billy the Kid, essentially ending the Lincoln County War.

  • Arizona Voters

    Arizona Voters
    Arizona voters reject a plan to enter the union as a single state with New Mexico.

  • Statehood

    Statehood
    New Mexico achieves statehood at last.