How New Mexico Became a State

New Mexico is a state located in the southwestern United States. It is known for its diverse landscape, ranging from the high desert of the Chihuahuan Desert to the Rocky Mountains. The state is also home to a variety of cultures, including Native American, Spanish, and Mexican. The history of New Mexico is a long and complex one, and it is important to understand how the state came to be.

Pre-Statehood

Pre-Colonial History

New Mexico has a long and rich history that predates the arrival of Europeans in the 16th century. Prior to the arrival of Europeans, the area that is now New Mexico was home to a variety of Indigenous peoples, including the Pueblo, Apache, and Navajo. These tribes had established complex societies, with their own languages, customs, and beliefs. They had also developed sophisticated agricultural systems and trading networks. Archaeological evidence suggests that some of these tribes had been living in the area for thousands of years.

Spanish Colonization

In 1598, the Spanish explorer Juan de Oñate became the first European to set foot in what is now New Mexico. He was followed by other Spanish explorers and missionaries, who established a number of settlements in the area. The Spanish also brought with them their language, religion, and culture, which began to influence the Indigenous peoples of the region. In 1609, the Spanish established the province of Santa Fe de Nuevo Mexico, which was the first colonial government in the region. The Spanish colonial period lasted until 1821, when Mexico gained its independence from Spain. During this period, the region experienced a period of rapid growth and development, as the Spanish built new roads, churches, and other infrastructure.

Mexican Rule

Mexican Independence

Mexico declared its independence from Spain in 1821, after a decade-long struggle for freedom. This struggle was led by a group of Mexican revolutionaries, who sought to overthrow the Spanish colonial government and create a new, independent nation. After gaining independence, Mexico was ruled by a series of dictators and military leaders, who sought to strengthen the nation and expand its borders. During this period, Mexico also experienced a period of economic growth and development, as the nation began to industrialize and modernize.

Mexican-American War

The Mexican-American War was a conflict between the United States and Mexico that lasted from 1846 to 1848. The war was sparked by a dispute over the border between the two countries, and the United States' desire to expand its territory. During the war, the United States was able to gain control of large portions of Mexican land, including what is now the states of California, Nevada, Utah, and parts of Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado. After the war, Mexico was forced to cede these lands to the United States, and the border between the two countries was redrawn. This redrawing of the border had a major impact on the future of New Mexico, as it was now part of the United States.

U.S. Territory

Gadsden Purchase

The Gadsden Purchase was an 1853 treaty between the United States and Mexico that allowed the U.S. to acquire a large swath of land in the Southwest, including present-day New Mexico. The purchase was made for the purpose of building a transcontinental railroad, and the U.S. paid $10 million for the land. The purchase was controversial at the time, as some argued that it was an unfair deal, while others argued that it was necessary to secure the land for the U.S. In the end, the Gadsden Purchase was ratified by the U.S. Senate, and the land was officially ceded to the United States.

Territorial Government

Once the Gadsden Purchase was ratified, the U.S. government began to establish a territorial government in the newly acquired land. In 1854, the U.S. Congress passed the Organic Act, which established the New Mexico Territory and provided for a territorial government. The Organic Act provided for a governor, a secretary, a legislative assembly, and a judicial system. The first governor of the New Mexico Territory was appointed in 1855, and the territorial government was officially established.

The territorial government was responsible for a variety of tasks, including the establishment of laws, the collection of taxes, and the protection of citizens. The territorial government also had the power to grant land to settlers, and this helped to encourage settlement in the region. In addition, the territorial government was responsible for the development of infrastructure, such as roads and schools. By the late 1800s, the territorial government had established a strong presence in the region, and it was well on its way to becoming a state.

Statehood

New Mexico Constitution

The New Mexico Constitution was written in 1910, and it was the first step in the process of becoming a state. It was written by a Constitutional Convention, which was made up of delegates from all over the state. The Constitution was based on the principles of democracy, and it provided for a strong executive branch, a bicameral legislature, and a judicial system. It also provided for the election of a governor, a lieutenant governor, and other state officials. The Constitution also provided for the protection of civil rights, and it established the state's public school system.

Admission to Union

Once the Constitution was written, the next step was to gain admission to the Union. This process began in 1911, when the New Mexico Legislature passed a resolution asking Congress to admit the state. Congress then passed the New Mexico Enabling Act, which allowed the state to create a government and hold an election for state officials. In 1912, the election was held and the state was officially admitted to the Union. New Mexico was the 47th state to join the Union, and it was the first state to be admitted in the 20th century. Since then, New Mexico has become an important part of the United States. It is home to a diverse population, and it has a rich history and culture.