New Mexico Archives – Access Genealogy

Genealogy Along the Rockies

Genealogy Along the Rockies was a website created by Mary and Don Saban, serving as a regional hub for genealogical research related to the Rocky Mountains. The site featured a traditional HTML design, complete with animated gifs and genealogy affiliate ads, but also contained valuable genealogical information. Mary Saban, the primary genealogist, actively posted her family tree and other resources until her passing on December 20, 2017, which led to the website’s end. The domain was later repurposed by a restaurant in Melbourne, Australia, named Genealogy Coffee & Wine Bar, which has since closed. This article explores the original website’s content and provides links to alternative genealogy resources for the defined Rocky Mountains region.

United States Bureau of Land Management Tract Books, 1800-c. 1955

3,907 land management tract books containing official records of the land status and transactions involving surveyed public lands arranged by state and then by township and range. These books indicate who obtained the land, and include a physical description of the tract and where the land is located. The type of transaction is also recorded such as cash entry, credit entry, homesteads, patents (deeds) granted by the Federal Government, and other conveyances of title such as Indian allotments, internal improvement grants (to states), military bounty land warrants, private land claims, railroad grants, school grants, and swamp grants. Additional items of information included in the tract books are as follows: number of acres, date of sale, purchase price, land office, entry number, final Certificate of Purchase number, and notes on relinquishments and conversions.

Chronicling America Historical Newspapers

Chronicling America is a Website providing access to information about historic newspapers and select digitized newspaper pages, and is produced by the National Digital Newspaper Program (NDNP). NDNP, a partnership between the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and the Library of Congress (LC), is a long-term effort to develop an Internet-based, searchable database of U.S. newspapers with descriptive information and select digitization of historic pages. Supported by NEH, this rich digital resource will be developed and permanently maintained at the Library of Congress. An NEH award program will fund the contribution of content from, eventually, all U.S. states and territories.

New Mexico World War 2 Casualties – Army, Air Force

This database contains War Department casualties (Army and Army Air Force personnel) from World War II for New Mexico. Information provided includes serial number, rank and type of casualty. The birthplace or residence of the deceased is not indicated. An introduction explaining how the list was compiled, a statistical tabulation, and the descriptions of the types of casualties incurred are also included.

Small Town Newspapers

Small Town Papers gives you access to the people, places and events recorded in real time over the decades or even centuries! Browse and search the scanned newspaper archive from 1846 up to the current edition! Their archives contain millions of names of ancestors not found anywhere else. Enhance your Ancestry research with their high resolution scanned newspaper archive. Find distant relatives and discover your ethnic heritage by reading the articles about family and friends written back in the day.

Index to Articles found in the El Farol Newspaper 1905-1906

The Lincoln County New Mexico online archives contains pdf’s of all remaining copies of the El Farol Newspaper of Capitan NM, but doesn’t have an index to the newspaper. C. W. Barnum, an active member of AHGP, and state coordinator for the New Mexico AHGP recently invested his time and energy into providing an every person index to the various extant issues. He has shared this wonderful index with AccessGenealogy in hopes that it will reach a wider audience. Enjoy!

Expeditions of Fowler and James to Santa Fe, 1821

Following Pike’s return from Santa Fe, interest surged for further exploration. In 1821, expeditions led by Major Jacob Fowler and General Thomas James departed towards Santa Fe after witnessing the impact of previous travelers’ accounts. Fowler’s party advanced from Fort Smith, while James’s group left St. Louis with a keel boat, trading goods with local tribes. Both parties faced significant challenges but eventually reached Santa Fe, paving the way for continued American trade in the region, culminating in further expeditions and encounters with the Comanche.

General History of the Western Indian Tribes 1851-1870 – Indian Wars

From 1851, vast territories east of the Rockies were designated as Indian Territory, where numerous tribes roamed. The discovery of gold in California sparked emigration, leading to treaties that confined tribes like the Cheyennes and Arapahoes to specific areas while promising annual payments. Tensions escalated, culminating in the Sand Creek Massacre in 1864, followed by ongoing conflicts. By 1868, efforts to negotiate peace resulted in treaties relocating tribes to reservations, as Indian populations dwindled and government policies shifted to assert control and promote their civilization.

Kit Carson, His Life and Adventures – Indian Wars

Christopher “Kit” Carson, born on December 24, 1809, in Kentucky, grew up in the dangerous wilderness of Missouri, fostering his adventurous spirit. At age 12, he rescued bear cubs, showcasing his bravery. After abandoning a saddler’s apprenticeship for a life of exploration, he became skilled in woodcraft and hunting tactics. Carson served as a scout and guide, notably for Colonel J.C. Fremont, and gained fame for his exploits. He died in 1868, remembered as a legendary figure in American frontier history.

Indian Hostilities in California and New Mexico – Indian Wars

The condition of Indian tribes in California, particularly the Shoshonee, Blackfeet, and Crows, is dire, marked by hostility towards settlers, particularly in the Sierra Nevada region. Following the gold discovery, tensions erupted into violence as tribes attacked miners. This led to a declaration of war from settlers, resulting in numerous casualties among the Indians. In New Mexico, the Apache and Navajo tribes proved formidable, engaging in violent confrontations with U.S. troops, while the peaceful Pueblo and other tribes often fell victim to Apache raids.

Cañon de Chelly and Bosque Redondo

The excerpt outlines the tumultuous history between the Navajo and Mexican settlers in New Mexico, emphasizing cycles of conflict, aggression, and the complexities surrounding the institution of slavery. Key events include military skirmishes, particularly the altercation at Fort Fauntleroy, and the subsequent efforts of military leaders like General Carleton to contain the Navajo through relocation to Bosque Redondo. The narrative reveals longstanding tensions regarding land, resources, and cultural misunderstandings, illustrating the devastating impact of forced dislocation on the Navajo people’s traditional way of life.

Indian Slaves in the Rocky Mountains

The system of Indian slavery in the Rocky Mountains persisted until government intervention in 1865, notably ending white slaveholding in Colorado. Indian Agent Head mandated the release of all captives, citing the barbarity of such practices. However, slavery and peonage continued in New Mexico and Arizona. The treatment of captives was often horrific, with women facing sexual exploitation and sacrificial rituals among indigenous tribes. Ongoing conflicts stemmed from these atrocities, fostering intense animosity between captives and their captors, complicating relations as both sides grappled with the war’s brutal legacy.

Apache Resist the Advance of the Whites

The Apache tribes have uniquely resisted the encroachment of white settlers, using their arid landscape to their advantage in prolonged warfare. Known for their bravery and cunning, they have committed and suffered atrocities, cementing their fearsome reputation across a vast territory. Despite their historic conflict with Mexicans and Americans, the Apaches remain one of the least understood tribes, often characterized as cruel. Their complex social structure, divided into distinct groups, further complicates perceptions of their culture and resistance against external powers.

Los Nabajos

The Navahos, originally called “Apaches de Navajoa,” inhabit northwestern New Mexico and northeastern Arizona, characterized by a landscape of mountains and mesas. They are known for their pastoral lifestyle, raising sheep and crops such as corn and beans. Notable for their unique cultural practices, Navaho women enjoy a degree of autonomy in property ownership and marital relations. Historically, their interactions with Mexicans and later Americans were marked by theft and conflict, yet they are generally less warlike than other tribes, often lacking centralized governance.

One Offense of the Pueblos

On January 19, 1847, discontent among Pueblos erupted into violence following the murder of Mexican prefect Cornelio Vigil. Fueled by anger over the treatment of their people, they killed American Governor Charles Bent and others, leading to widespread insurrection. The uprising was met with swift American military retaliation, culminating in a fierce battle at Taos. Ultimately, key insurgents were executed, and the Pueblo community largely returned to peace. Although guilty of cruelty, the Pueblos remained loyal to Americans in subsequent conflicts, illustrating their complex relationship with both Mexican and American authorities.

Massacres of the Mountains

General Custer’s claim about the vast decline in the Indian population illustrates a widespread misconception. Estimates suggest that at Columbus’ arrival, the population may have been around 500,000, not millions. Dunn’s “Massacres of the Mountains” critically assesses the historical factors contributing to conflicts with Native Americans, such as broken treaties and government policies. He argues for an honest and fair approach to Indian relations, emphasizing that proper treatment and education can lead to greater integration and preservation of Indigenous cultures, rather than forced removals and neglect.

1910 New Mexico Census Map

New Mexico Genealogy at Ancestry

Ancestry offers extensive genealogy resources for New Mexico, including a variety of records such as marriage indexes, territorial censuses, and military data, reflecting the state’s rich historical tapestry. While some databases are available for free, others may require a subscription. Users can explore records spanning from the late 1700s through the 1900s and access a 14-day free trial to enhance their genealogical research. These resources provide valuable insights into New Mexico’s diverse heritage and community connections.

1890 Report on the Pueblos of Laguna, Acoma and Zuñi

The 1890 report by Julian Scott details observations on Laguna, Acoma, and Zuñi pueblos, highlighting their cultural practices, subsistence strategies, and economic activities. While they maintain distinct traditions and languages, Scott notes their increasing reliance on modern conveniences and agricultural techniques. The populations of these pueblos engage in farming and pottery production, yet face challenges such as theft and internal unrest. Scott advocates for self-governance, educational reforms, and improved agricultural assistance to further their integration and development as citizens.

Zuñi Pueblo

In 1890, the Pueblo of Zuni faced various challenges, including poor road conditions and a deteriorating Catholic church. The community favored cultivating side valleys over their fertile plain to maintain distance from encroaching white settlers. Their governance involved a governor appointed by caciques, and their lifestyle combined traditional practices with limited modern influences. Agriculture primarily focused on corn, beans, and peaches. The Zuñi maintained a strong attachment to their religion and culture while expressing concerns about local theft and incidents of witchcraft, calling for more oversight from U.S. authorities.