U.S. provisional government of New Mexico facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Territory of New Mexico |
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| Unorganized Territory of the United States | |||||||||
| 1846–1850 | |||||||||
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| Capital | Santa Fe | ||||||||
| • Type | Appointed Military and Civilian Governors under Kearny Code | ||||||||
| History | |||||||||
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• Mexican–American War
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April 25, 1846 | ||||||||
| 15 August 1846 | |||||||||
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• Kearny Code
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September 22, 1846 | ||||||||
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• Taos Revolt
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January 19, 1847–July 9, 1847 | ||||||||
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• Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
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May 30, 1848 | ||||||||
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• State constitution (overturned)
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June 20, 1850 | ||||||||
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• Organic Act (part of Compromise of 1850)
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9 September 1850 | ||||||||
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The Territory of New Mexico was a part of the United States that existed from 1846 to 1850. It was created after the Mexican–American War. This area later became the state of New Mexico.
In 1846, General Stephen W. Kearny set up new laws called the "Kearny Code." These laws helped create the first government for New Mexico. The first group of lawmakers, called the legislature, met on December 6, 1847.
This legislature had two parts: a Council with seven members and a House with twenty-one members. Antonio Sandoval led the Council, and W.Z. Angney was the speaker of the House.
Contents
How New Mexico Became a Territory
The first lawmakers decided to hold a special meeting to plan a permanent government for New Mexico. This meeting took place on October 10, 1848. They asked the U.S. Congress to make New Mexico a regular territory. They also clearly stated that they did not want slavery in their new government.
Efforts to Form a Government
The next year, the military governor asked people to vote for delegates. These delegates would help create a territorial government.
Meanwhile, Texas claimed land east of the Rio Grande. Texas sent officials to try and organize this area as part of their state. However, they faced strong opposition and could not carry out their plans.
The Push for Statehood
Around the same time, U.S. President Zachary Taylor wanted people in California and New Mexico to form state governments quickly. This was to help settle the big national debate about slavery.
So, Colonel Munroe, the military governor, called for another special meeting. This meeting happened on May 15, 1850. The delegates created a state constitution. This constitution was very important because it clearly said that slavery would not be allowed in the new state. It also showed how much they valued public education.
Most of the people at this meeting were native New Mexicans. They bravely stood up for their beliefs, even though it was a difficult time.
Voting for a New Government
The new constitution was presented to the people on June 20, 1850, and they voted to approve it. At the same time, they elected state officials and lawmakers. Henry Connelly was chosen as governor, and Manuel Álvarez became lieutenant-governor. William S. Messervy was elected to represent New Mexico in the United States House of Representatives.
The new state legislature met on July 1, 1850. They elected Francis A. Cunningham and Richard H. Weightman as senators for the United States.
The Compromise of 1850
While Weightman was traveling to Washington, D.C., Congress passed a series of laws known as the Compromise of 1850. One of these laws officially made New Mexico a territory. This "organic act" was passed on September 9, 1850. The new territory included areas that are now New Mexico, Arizona, and southern Colorado.
Generally, native New Mexicans wanted to become a state. This meant their leaders would be elected by the people. However, American pioneers often preferred a territorial organization. In a territory, important officials are chosen by the U.S. President.
The Judicial System
In 1846, General Stephen W. Kearny created a temporary government and a system of laws called the "Kearny Code." The judicial branch, which handles legal matters, had a three-person Superior Court.
Each judge worked as a trial judge in a specific area. Together, they also acted as an appeals court, reviewing decisions made by individual judges.
Early Court Cases
The first court session under the new American system was held in Taos in April 1847. Many people were tried for different crimes. The court handled cases of murder, treason, and theft.
Before the United States took control, New Mexico was divided into seven counties within three districts by the Mexican government in 1844. These county names stayed the same after the U.S. occupation, but their boundaries changed. In 1847, the New Mexico legislature passed a law to set up three court circuits: the Central, the Northern, and the Southeastern.
