NEW MEXICO HISTORY IN 10 MINUTES - E 19 - Who were the colonists that came to New Mexico in 1598?

Summary

In this episode of 'New Mexico History in 10 Minutes,' State Historian Robert Martinez explores the diverse origins of the Spanish colonizers who arrived in New Mexico with Juan de Oñate in 1598. These settlers, a mix of Spaniards, Portuguese, and those from New Spain, were primarily middle to lower class, seeking opportunity in the Americas. They represented a blend of cultures, including Jewish and Moorish influences, and often married local women, contributing to New Mexico's rich Hispanic heritage. Martinez emphasizes the settlers' hard work and adaptability, as well as the temporary nature of the 'hidalgo' titles granted to encourage colonization.

Takeaways

• 📅 The Spanish colonization of New Mexico began in 1598, which is 178 years before the formation of the United States.
• 🌐 The colonizers were a diverse group, including people from Spain, Portugal, and New Spain (now Mexico).
• 🏰 Most of the settlers were not from noble backgrounds but were middle to lower-class individuals seeking opportunities in the Americas.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Many colonizers did not bring women from Spain; instead, they married local women, including Creole, Spanish, mixed-race, and Native American women.
• 🧬 The settlers contributed to a rich genetic and cultural mix in New Mexico, reflecting both Mediterranean and Mesoamerican heritages.
• 🏞️ New Mexico was not an initial destination of choice for many; it was more of a last resort for those seeking new opportunities.
• 👥 The Onyate expedition, which arrived in 1598, consisted of about 400 people, but many became disillusioned and left due to the harsh realities of the frontier.
• 🏡 Those who stayed were granted titles of hidalgo, a form of petty nobility, as an incentive to colonize and stay in New Mexico.
• 👨‍👩‍👧 The families that remained became integral to the establishment of Hispanic culture and civilization in New Mexico.
• 🌟 The Hispanic ancestors of New Mexico are remembered as hardworking individuals who had to adapt to new ways of life, including farming and herding.

Q & A

Who were the Spaniards that came to colonize New Mexico in 1598 with Juan de Oñate?

The Spaniards that came to colonize New Mexico in 1598 were a mix of people from Spain, Portugal, and New Spain. They included individuals with names like Montoya, Romero, and Varela, indicating their diverse origins.

Why did these Spaniards choose to come to New Mexico?

These Spaniards were not necessarily seeking to go to New Mexico specifically; rather, they were looking for opportunities and a better life in the Americas. New Mexico was not initially on their minds, but when the call to colonize was put out, they joined the expedition.

What was the social and economic status of these early settlers in Spain?

The early settlers were mostly middle to lower class people in Spain with limited opportunities. Some were from well-to-do families but did not inherit wealth, leading them to seek new lives in the Americas.

How were the Spaniards who were born in the Americas different from those born in Spain?

Spaniards born in the Americas were called Creoles, while those born in Spain were called Peninsulares. Creoles were considered to have a different social status, being born in the New World despite having parents from Spain.

Did the settlers bring women from Spain with them to New Mexico?

Most settlers did not bring women from Spain. They typically married women they met in Mexico, who could be Creole, Spanish, or of mixed Spanish and Indian ancestry. Some also married Native American women.

What was the significance of the title 'Hidalgo' given to some of the settlers?

The title 'Hidalgo' was a form of petty nobility, the lowest form of nobility, granted to those who came and stayed in New Mexico. It was used as an incentive for colonization but did not carry significant weight in the long term, especially in a frontier area like New Mexico.

What was the role of mestizo and Native American individuals in the early New Mexican society?

Mestizo and Native American individuals played a significant role in the early New Mexican society by marrying into the Spanish settler community and contributing to the cultural and genetic mix of the region.

How did the settlers' expectations of wealth and opportunity in New Mexico differ from the reality they encountered?

Many settlers were disillusioned when the land and people of New Mexico did not produce the wealth they had hoped for. This led to many leaving, but a tenth of the group remained, loyal and dedicated to their new life.

What were the physical characteristics of the settlers described in the script?

The settlers were described as having dark hair and dark eyes, with sharp noses and lantern jaws. Some had red or chestnut-colored hair and light eyes, such as blue or gray.

What was the cultural impact of the diverse settlers on New Mexico?

The diverse settlers, including Spaniards, Creoles, and Native Americans, contributed to a rich cultural tapestry in New Mexico, reflecting both the Mediterranean and Mesoamerican worlds.