The Probert Encyclopaedia of Places of the World

NEW MEXICO

New Mexico is a state in south west USA renowned for its precious metal deposits. New Mexico was organized as a Territory on September the 9th, 1850, from territory taken from Mexico. The Spaniard Nunez visited the country in 1537, and Coronado in 1540. In 1581 Bonillo explored the region and named it New Mexico. Santa Fe was founded about 1609. The Spaniards had great difficulty with the Pueblo Indians. General Kearny captured Santa Fe in 1846, and two years later, by the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, the United States came into possession of New Mexico. The Territory of New Mexico was organized by Act of Congress on September the 9th, 1850. In 1853 a portion of the "Gadsden Purchase" was annexed. In 1866 the Territory was finally reduced to its present boundaries. The fear that a State church would be established by the Mexicans in the State prevented its admission into the Union for many years.
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