Antiquities of Mexico

Codex Mendoza

The Southwestern regions of North America present a most extensive and interesting field for antiquarian research. The long-continued existence of powerful, civilized, and populous races is fully proved by the occurrence of almost innumerable ruins and national relics. Even in the sixteenth century, the Spanish invaders found these regions in the possession of a highly prosperous and partially civilized people. Government and social institutions were upon that firm and well-defined basis which betokened long continuance and strong national sentiment. In many of the arts and sciences, the subjugated races were equal, and in others superior, to their Christian conquerors. Their … Read more

Aborigines of Mexico

Aztec Expansion

The kingdoms of New Spain, as Central America and the adjoining country were first called, presented a far different aspect, when first discovered by Europeans, from that of the vast and inhospitable wilderness at the North and East. Instead of an unbroken forest, thinly inhabited by roving savages, here were seen large and well-built cities, a people of gentler mood and more refined manners, and an advancement in the useful arts which removed the inhabitants as far from their rude neighbors, in the scale of civilization, as they themselves were excelled by the nations of Europe. When first discovered and … Read more

1847 Indian Population of the United States and Territory

According to the census taken, under the agency of Mr. Henry K. Schoolcraft, in pursuance of the act of Congress passed in March 1847, the following returns were made of the numbers of the Indian tribes subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. The grand total was set down at 388,229, and about 30,000 more was considered a probable estimate of tribes inhabiting districts yet unexplored. The “Ultimate Consolidated Tables of the Indian Population of the United States,” containing the results of the proposed investigation, are given substantially as follows, in Schoolcraft s “History, Condition, and Prospects of the … Read more