Spanish travelers passed through the area, which is now referred to as New Mexico, way back in the 16th century. It is said that they encountered well-preserved remains from the times of the Pueblo civilization that existed around the 13th century. There were rumors that these areas had hidden treasures and that led to many explorers undertaking expeditions to the state of New Mexico in around 1540.
It was only in 1609 that Pedro de Peralta was made the governor of the land, which started being referred to as the Kingdom and Provinces of New Mexico at that time. It was only a year later that Santa Fe was announced as the capital city of this newfound state.
Spanish people kept coming and going to the area of New Mexico every few decades, and it was only after Mexico attained freedom from Spain that New Mexico also became a separate state. However, in 1821, New Mexico merged with Mexico and became a Mexican province.
After the Mexican-American War, which started in 1846, was won by the U.S. in 1848, the state of New Mexico was handed over to the U.S. with the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. However, an internal civil war continued.
Only after 1886 did the bloodshed stop. Soon afterward, many people from the nearby regions began settling in the state. The state proved prosperous for ranches and animal husbandry. Finally, in 1912, New Mexico was declared as an official state of the United States.
Resource: https://nationaltoday.com/national-new-mexico-day/
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