Nicolas Pino facts for kids
Nicolas Pino (1819–1896) was an important leader in New Mexico. He first fought against the United States taking over New Mexico. Later, he became loyal to the U.S. and served as a Union officer during the American Civil War. He reached the rank of brigadier general. After the war, he worked in the New Mexico government.
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Early Life and Family Role
Nicolas Pino was born in 1819. His family was very powerful in New Mexico. His father, Pedro Bautista Pino, was the only person to represent New Mexico in the Spanish government. Pedro wrote a short history of New Mexico for the king of Spain. Nicolas's mother was Ana Maria. Her family also had important leaders in New Mexico's history.
Nicolas had two influential brothers, Facundo and Miguel E. Pino. All three brothers held important positions under the Mexican government. They were known for being brave and daring fighters.
Resisting U.S. Occupation
When the U.S. Army, led by General Kearny, arrived in New Mexico, the Pino brothers prepared to fight. They gathered volunteers and weapons. However, the Mexican governor, Manuel Armijo, decided not to fight and fled. This disappointed the Pino brothers.
At first, Nicolas and his brothers did not promise loyalty to the U.S. They still felt they were citizens of Mexico. Soon after, Nicolas joined secret meetings in Santa Fe. These meetings planned a rebellion against the U.S. occupation. The plan was to capture American officers during Christmas Eve mass.
However, the plan was discovered. A woman named Tules Barcelona told Donaciano Vigil about it. Vigil then informed General Sterling Price of the U.S. Army. General Price had many people arrested, including Nicolas Pino. Nicolas's cousin, Tomas Ortiz, who was supposed to be the new governor, escaped.
Loyalty to the United States
After the failed rebellion, Nicolas Pino was released from prison. He then swore his loyalty to the United States. He joined a company of volunteers led by Captain Ceran St. Vrain. Nicolas helped defeat the rebels during the Taos Revolt. This revolt happened after Governor Charles Bent was killed. Nicolas fought alongside his friend, Don Manuel Chaves.
After the peace treaty with Mexico, the Pino brothers became very loyal to the U.S. government. They all held important roles in both government and the military.
Serving in the Civil War
During the American Civil War, Nicolas Pino led the 2nd New Mexico Militia. In February 1862, Colonel Pino and his 200 militiamen tried to stop Confederate General Henry Hopkins Sibley. They were near the town of Socorro, New Mexico. However, they were quickly forced to surrender when the Texans used artillery.
Nicolas's brother, Colonel Miguel Pino, also led soldiers during the Civil War. He commanded 590 men in the 2nd New Mexico Volunteers.
Political Career
The Pino family remained active in New Mexico politics for many years. Until their deaths, there was almost always a Pino serving in the New Mexico government.
Facundo Pino served several times as the president of the council. Miguel E. Pino was also council president in 1865 and 1866. Nicolas Pino served as council president in 1869. He was also a council member in 1873 and 1878. Even Tomas Ortiz, Nicolas's cousin who had escaped, later returned to New Mexico and served in the government.
Later Life and Death
Nicolas Pino lived longer than his brothers. He passed away in November 1896 at the age of 77. He is buried in the village cemetery in Galisteo, New Mexico.
Some historical records show that Nicolas Pino and his family owned Indigenous people. This was a practice that existed in New Mexico at the time.
