Native American Timeline in New Mexico

Native American Timeline in New Mexico

12,000-10,000: B.C. - Sandia people leave earliest evidence of human existence in what is now New Mexico.

10,000 - 9,000: B.C. - Clovis hunters roam area in search of mammoth, bison and other game.

9,000 - 8,000 B.C. - Folsom people flourish throughout Southwest at the end of the last Ice Age.

10,000 - 500 B.C. - Cochise people are first inhabitants to cultivate corn, squash and beans, the earliest evidence of agriculture in the Southwest.

1- 700 - Anasazi Basketmakers elevate weaving to a high art, creating baskets, clothing, sandals, and utensils.

700- 1300 - Anasazi Pueblo culture culminates in the highly developed Chaco Civilization.

300-1400 - Mogollon culture introduces highly artistic pottery and early architecture in the form of pit houses.

1200-1500 - Pueblo Indians establish villages along the Rio Grande and its tributaries.

1536 - Cabeza de Vaca, Esteban the Moor and two others reach Culiacan, Mexico, after possibly crossing what is now southern New Mexico,and begin rumors of the Seven Cities of Cibola.

1539 - Fray Marcos de Niza and Esteban lead expedition to find Cibola and reach the Zuni village of Hawikuh where Esteban is killed.

1540-42 - Francisco Vasquez de Coronado explores area from Gulf of California to present day Kansas, discovers the Grand Canyon.

1598 - Juan de Onate establishes the first Spanish capital of San Juan de los Caballeros at the Tewa village of Ohke north of present day Espanola.

1600 - San Gabriel, second capital of New Mexico, is founded at the confluence of the Rio Grande and the Chama Rivers.

1608 - Onate removed as governor and sent to Mexico City to be tried for mistreatment of the Indians and abuse of power. Decision made by Spanish Crown to continue settlement of New Mexico as a royal province.

1609-10 - Governor Pedro de Peralta establishes a new capital at Santa Fe. Construction begins on the Palace of the Governors. Gaspar de Villagra publishes epic history on the founding of New Mexico, the first book printed about any area in the United States.1626 Spanish Inquisition established in New Mexico.

1641 - Governor Luis de Rosas assassinated by colonists during conflict between the church and state.

1680 - Pueblo Indian Revolt; Spanish survivors flee to El Paso del Norte.

Late 1600s - Navajos, Apaches, and Comanches begin raids against Pueblo Indians.

1692-93 - Don Diego de Vargas recolonizes Santa Fe.Spanish civilization returns to New Mexico.

1847 - Taos Rebellion against the U.S. military. Governor Charles Bent killed.

1862-67 - Known as the "Long Walk," Navajos and Apaches are relocated to Bosque Redondo; finally allowed to return their homelands after thousands die of disease and starvation.

1886 - Geronimo surrenders; Indian hostilities cease in the Southwest.

1948 - Native Americans win the right to vote in state elections.

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