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US honors land grants in northern New Mexico
Gen. Kearny proclaimed all of New Mexico a territory of the United States. The US pledged to honor the land grants in northern New Mexico that were awarded by the Spanish and Mexican governors of the territory. Pueblo people had been given land grants, so kept their land. -
Becoming a Territory
On September 9, 1850, the United States Congress passed an Organic Act which created the Territory of New Mexico and authorized the establishment of a new civil government. -
Establishing Buildings
Bishop Jean Baptiste Lamy arrives in New Mexico and establishes schools, hospitals and orphanages throughout the territory -
Gadsden Purchase
The United States and Mexico agree to the $10 million Gadsden Purchase, in which a land tract in southwestern New Mexico and eastern Arizona disputed by the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo, is purchased from Mexico. The purchase was necessary to avoid another armed conflict between the two countries. -
Invasion
Confederates invade New Mexico front Texas. -
Occupation from New Mexico
Battles of Velarde de and Glorieta Pass fought, ends confederate occupation of New Mexico. -
Battle of Peralta
Forces clash in the Battle of Peralta, the last Civil War conflict in New Mexico. An indecisive skirmish by Eastern standards, it convinced the Rebels to retreat to El Paso. -
Coming of Railroads
The railroad arrives in New Mexico, opening full-scale trade and migration from the east and midwest. -
War in New Mexico
Lincoln County War erupts in southeast New Mexico. -
Mysterious Burning
The New Mexico territorial capitol building in Santa Fe is mysteriously destroyed by fire. Some documents are lost, but the "ancient Santa Fe Archives" are saved. The cause of the fire is still unknown but some people report seeing some dark figures running from the building shortly before the building is consumed in flames. -
New Mexicans Serve in Spanish-American War
Hundreds of New Mexicans volunteer to serve as Rough Riders for the Spanish-American War. -
Creation of Mounted Police
The New Mexico Assembly creates the Mounted Police, which never exceeded 22 members and existed until 1922 when duties were transferred to the National Guard. -
Voting for Statehood
People of New Mexico and Arizona vote on issue of joint statehood, New Mexico voting in favor and Arizona against. -
Preparing For Statehood
On June 20, 1910, President William H. Taft signed an Enabling Act which authorized the territory to call a constitutional convention in preparation for being admitted as a state. -
Admission
On January 6th, 1912, the New Mexico Territory was admitted into the Union as New Mexico, the 47th state.
