Historical Events tagged with "new mexico"
Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.
Billy the Kid Killed by Sheriff Pat Garrett
Billy the Kid was shot and killed by Sheriff Pat Garrett in the Maxwell House at Fort Sumner, New Mexico. After a series of escapes and a reputation as a notorious outlaw, Billy's run ended when Garrett confronted the outlaw inside the establishment. Following a brief exchange, Garrett fatally shot him, marking a significant moment in the history of the American West.
Continue ReadingBilly the Kid's Notorious Jailbreak
Billy the Kid escaped from the Lincoln County jail in Mesilla, New Mexico, on April 28, 1881, during a well-planned breakout. Taking advantage of a moment of distraction, he killed two guards and managed to flee captivity. This audacious escape further solidified his reputation as a legendary outlaw of the American West. His actions sparked intense manhunts and media frenzy, contributing to his infamy.
Continue ReadingMurder of John Tunstall Ignites Lincoln County War
John Tunstall was murdered by outlaw Jesse Evans in Lincoln County, New Mexico, on February 18, 1878. This act of violence was a pivotal moment that ignited the Lincoln County War, a conflict between rival factions in the county over business interests. Tunstall was a prominent cattleman and merchant, and his murder marked the escalation of tensions between his supporters and those aligned with Evans. As a consequence, a series of violent confrontations ensued, drawing in local lawmen and forming the backdrop for the notorious skirmishes that characterized the war.
Continue ReadingNavajo Return Treaty Signed with U.S. Government
The Treaty of Bosque Redondo was signed, allowing the Navajo people to return to their ancestral lands in Arizona and New Mexico after years of forced relocation. This agreement marked the conclusion of the Long Walk, where the Navajo were forcibly marched to a reservation in eastern New Mexico, facing significant hardships. Effective negotiations by leaders like Manuelito enabled the treaty, which sought to restore autonomy and territorial rights to the Navajo Nation, reflecting a turning point in their relationship with the United States government.
Continue ReadingUnion Victory at Glorieta Pass Against Confederates
In March 1862, Union forces engaged Confederate troops at Glorieta Pass, New Mexico, aiming to halt the Confederate advance into the territory. The battle began on March 26 and culminated with the Union troops successfully defending their position. Key figures in the conflict included Union Colonel John P. Slough and Confederate Colonel William Steele. The Union victory was critical, as it prevented the Confederacy from securing valuable territory and resources in the West.
Continue ReadingBattle of Valverde Near Fort Craig
Fought near Fort Craig, the Battle of Valverde was a key engagement during the American Civil War in New Mexico Territory. On February 21, 1862, Confederate forces led by Colonel Henry H. Sibley clashed with Union troops commanded by Colonel Edward R. S. Canby. The battle was significant as it represented Confederate aspirations to seize control of the West and their attempt to secure supply lines and territory in New Mexico. Despite fierce fighting, the day culminated in a Confederate tactical victory, affecting subsequent Union strategy in the region.
Continue ReadingGadsden Purchase Facilitates Railroad Expansion
The Gadsden Purchase was a significant land acquisition in which the United States bought roughly 29,670 square miles from Mexico. Negotiated by James Gadsden, the U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, the purchase aimed to facilitate the construction of a southern transcontinental railroad and secure better access to the Pacific coast. This land includes parts of present-day Arizona and New Mexico, specifically aimed at addressing the challenges of connecting the southern states to the Pacific Ocean. The agreement was finalized in December 1853 and signed by Mexican President Antonio López de Santa Anna.
Continue ReadingTreaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo Signed
The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was concluded between the United States and Mexico, marking the end of the Mexican-American War. Negotiated in the city of Guadalupe Hidalgo, the treaty established the Rio Grande as the boundary between Texas and Mexico. It resulted in significant territorial gains for the U.S., including present-day California, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, and parts of Colorado and Wyoming. The treaty was signed in the context of a conflict rooted in the U.S. annexation of Texas and the desire for further expansion.
Continue ReadingWilliam Becknell Reaches Santa Fe, New Mexico
William Becknell, an American trader from Missouri, successfully arrived in Santa Fe, New Mexico, after navigating a challenging route that would later be known as the Santa Fe Trail. This journey marked the beginning of a significant trade route between Missouri and Santa Fe, facilitating commerce and cultural exchange. Becknell's expedition was spurred by the desire for economic opportunities and the exploration of new markets in the Southwest.
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