New Mexico Territory

The New Mexico Territory was a large region in the southwestern United States established in 1850, encompassing present-day New Mexico, Arizona, and parts of neighboring states. It was originally inhabited by Native American tribes and later explored by Europeans. The territory was governed by the U.S. after the Mexican-American War, serving as an important frontier for settlement, trade, and military strategy. It remained a U.S. territory until 1912, when New Mexico was admitted as the 47th state. Its history includes diverse cultures, early Spanish and Mexican influences, and significant events related to westward expansion and territorial development.