The following important events in the history of New Mexico affected political boundaries, record keeping, and family movements.

1598	San Juan was founded as the first permanent Spanish colony in New Mexico. The capital was established at Santa Fe in 1610.
1680-1700	The Pueblo Indians revolted and drove the Spanish out of northern New Mexico to El Paso. By 1700 the Spanish reestablished control.
1706	Albuquerque was founded and became a center of settlement.
1821	When Mexico achieved independence from Spain, New Mexico became a Mexican province, and trade with the United States was opened over the Santa Fe Trail.
1848	Mexico ceded New Mexico to the United States. The Santa Fe Trail soon became a favorite route of those heading to the California gold fields.
1850-1863	Congress created the New Mexico Territory in 1850 and the first counties were established. The territory was enlarged somewhat with the Gadsden Purchase from Mexico in 1853, but greatly reduced by the creation of Colorado Territory in 1861 and Arizona Territory in 1863.
1880-1904	The coming of the railroad stimulated settlement in eastern and southern New Mexico. Conflicting land claims led to disputes among ranchers, homesteaders, and the old Spanish families. The claims were finally settled in 1904.
1912	New Mexico became a state.