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Spanish Colorado: Colorado as New Mexico Frontier

The Spanish struggle to surmount and control lands that would ultimately be southeastern

Colorado seemed to lag and methodical. The lands occupied by New Spain prolonged to the

Arctic rooting from Panama, where the capital included Mexico City. Colorado started to explore

in American Southwest from 1540 and meet mud pueblos inhabited by Native Americans in the

northward. Then, the Spanish subdued the natives, developed bases and created small

exploration parties. The Colorado Organic Act detached the Colorado lands from New Mexico

territory in 1861 (Abbott et al.). The assignment will focus on the significance of the following in

Colorado history.

De Anza Expedition and Cuerno Verde

Firstly, de Anza expedition formed the foremost overland way from Sonoran Desert to

California. Secondly, leading a group of people, de Anza travels created the primary European

San Francisco settlement. Next, during the trail to California, de Anza expeditions helped to

transport settlers to San Francisco. De Anza expeditions also blazed a path moving from Sonora

to San Gabriel Mission, close to present Los Angeles. Additionally, de Anza expeditions lead to

a permanent Spanish-Comanche peace, which allowed movement of Cheyenne and Arapaho to

plains and exchange goods with Comancheros and Ciboleros. The peace came as a result of

Cuerno Verde’s defeat and murder by de Anza’s troops. Moreover, de Anza expeditions link the
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history, culture and recreation centers from areas like Nogales, Arizona, heading to Bay City.

Another way, de Anza expedition led to formation of an alliance between the Native Americans

and Yuma tribe. In addition, de Anza expeditions created the present historic site which helped

to preserve Colorado’s heritage. Another significance, de Anza expedition to cross Cahuilla and

start a territory in Monterey, California, helped Spain to claim the land and prevent the Russian

from colonizing California (Garate 15). Lastly, during de Anza second expeditions, he moved

settlers to California and prevented Russian occupation.

Indigenous Captivity in Spanish Colorado

First, the indigenous captives played a role in cultural changes in Colorado. For instance,

the indigenous captives such as Native Americas taken as slaves helped to spread their cultures

to other captives. Second, indigenous captives provided labor in colonizers farms economic rise

in Colorado. Third, the indigenous captives lead to development of historic sites such as San

Luis valley museum to acknowledge enslavement done to indigenous individuals and Native

Americans. Four, indigenous captives were used to create peace through signing of treaties in

their exchange. Five, indigenous captives played roles in fighting for their territories to prevent

colonization (Rocky Mountain PBS).

Additionally, indigenous captives formed started to resist the Spanish ruling through

movements such as American Indian Movement of Colorado. The movements shaped the

political structure of Colorado. Furthermore, captive raiding increased intra-Native competition

toward Colorado. Moreover, selling of indigenous captives increased slave trade that led to slave

movements, fighting for their rights and freedom. Next, indigenous captives played a role in

spreading unity that helped to maintain peace in Colorado. Lastly, indigenous captives like
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Cheyenne help spread spirituality as they survived depression, trauma and loss (Rocky Mountain

PBS).

Julia Archibald Holmes

First, Julia Archibald Holmes used to advocate for slave abolition. Secondly, Homes

actively joined suffragist movement, fostering suffrage associations to advocate for women

rights. Third, Holmes wanted to spread the idea that women can do everything that men could

do. She was the first women to climb Pikes Peak in Colorado. Four, Holmes dedicated her life to

fighting for women’s equality by hiking to Colorado to engage in Gold Rush after joining

Lawrence Party. Additionally, she worked with Bureau of Education and was the selected to the

place and ultimately announced as division chief. Moreover, although Holmes spent little time in

Colorado, she impacts its history greatly. For instance, she was recorded the first woman to reach

Colorado’s Pikes Peak, which in turn impacts Colorado’s history. Furthermore, Holmes migrated

to Kansas west with some abolitionists who tried to keep Kansas slavery free. In addition,

Holmes acted as liberalists and tried to support Kansas become a free state (Colorado Women's

Hall of Fame).

Susan Shelby Magoffin

Firstly, Susan Shelby Magoffin formed the first female to move to Santa Fe Trail.

Secondly, Magoffin is remembered for the difficult journal. Additionally, she kept a journal

while travelling that provide important information of the journey. In addition, Magoffin noted

valuable information during her journey that forms an information resource about the west.

Magoffin also noted domestic challenges and provide vision as to what female’s lives.

Furthermore, in her journal, Magoffin explained in details the war in Mexico. Magoffin also

explained how the war affected traders in Mexico like her husband. Next, Magoffin’s journal
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provides the appearance of Kansas before white settlement. Another significance made by

Magoffin include noting the difference in food along the trail. In New Mexico, Magoffin

sampled the presently known green chili stew (The Kansas City Public Library).

Cathay Williams

First, Williams act of secret defiance to serve the country that initially recognized her as a

slave remains in Colorado books as a righteous rebel. Secondly, Williams formed the first

African-American female into Unites States Army in the Indian wars. Moreover, Williams was a

well-recognized Buffalo Soldier woman. Additionally, William’s services contributed the

settlement of African-American females in the West. Furthermore, Cathy Williams and other

slaves sustained the Union Army as campsite followers where they cooked, cleaned and provided

care for the armies. Williams mostly engaged in the union’s actions. Next, Williams decided to

rejoin the army in New Mexico even after contracting smallpox virus that prevented her from

completing the first enlistment into the union. Williams later moved to Colorado marking

historic achievement of the state (Fort Worth Public Library).

Jaramillo Sisters and Owl Woman

Firstly, Jaramillo sisters played vital role in Taos history in the tumultuous period in

1800s. The two sisters married famous males, which made their stories to last in print and

brighten the lives of women in Hispania during the 19th century. Secondly, Jaramillo sisters’ lives

acted as examples for people in Hispania during the 19th century. The women were courageous

and most resourceful in Taos and Southwest. Next, Jaramillo sisters nurtured their families in

absence of their husbands, took care of their gardens, maintained their livestock and crops and

preserved food. The sisters sometimes fought other marauders. The tradition portrayed by the

sisters continues presently as legacy they left as Hispanic women (Cunningham 4). The owl
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woman, Mistanta, got initiated into the Colorado Women’s hall of Fame as she managed

relations and maintained peace on Colorado plains. Additionally, owl woman helped to run the

fort in that she controlled Bent’s supplies.

Bent Brothers

Firstly, Bent brothers had crucial role in developing Colorado. William owned a trading

fort which acted as a trading point for whites and Native Americans along Arkansas River. Santa

Fe Trail location helped William to trade by suppling goods to whites, Natives and Mexicans.

Secondly, William and his brothers founded Bent’s Fort which opened the west after overtaking

fur trade. Additionally, through the Bent Fort and trading activities, peace and unity existed

between whites and Native Americans. Moreover, The Bent Fort operated as outfitter for

trappers. Furthermore, through the Bent Font, William protected two Cheyenne from Comanche

wandering, which made Cheyenne chief to become his trade partner (Cunningham 4).

William Bent also married Owl Woman who helped to maintain peace between whites

and Native Americans. Through Bent Fort, travelers rested safely and US army formed a guard

post. This contribution was also made by Bent brothers. Next, the Bent Fort formed a staging

point for Colonel Stephen Kearney to invade Mexico due to its primary location. Later, Bent Fort

ended after its destruction where the brothers went to construct a new Bent fort at Big Timbers.

The trade did not do well and the Bent acted as arbitrator and Native Americans representative.

Moreover, William worked tirelessly to represent Native Americans and seek for good treatment

from the government. Also, Bent became the India agent in the Upper Arkansas Indian Agency.

Another significance, William helped maintain peace during Sand Creek Massacre (Cunningham

4).

Bent’s Fort and the Santa Fe Trail

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Bent’s Fort formed a local place along the Santa Fe Trail that lasted for more than sixteen

years as a harbor for native trappers and traders. The Bent brothers including William and

Charles established the fort which become vital trading point in Southern Colorado. Later, the

fort become a relaxing position for travelers and a check point for the US Army. Additionally,

the Bent Fort acted as a bison hide trade station. Lastly, Colonel Stephen Kearney used to stage

at Bent’s Fort during Mexico invasion. Therefore, the Bent’s Fort liaised the whites and Native

Americans through trading in modern-day La Junta (Cunningham 4).

US Conquest of NM, the Taos Revolt

The Taos revolt formed a populist insurrection by Hispano and Pueblo supporters toward

United States’ engagement of modern Northern New Mexico. During the battle, Charles Bent

and other six individuals get murdered during this Mexican-American War. It is believed that

Padre Antonio Martinez planned for Taos Revolt and murder of Charles Bent. The revolt

occurred in January 1847 where lower group individuals and Indians tried to take back their land

through rebellion. United State army crushed the revolt (Jacobs 5). A treaty called Guadalupe

Hidalgo guaranteed Hispania and American Indians rights to property.

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Works Cited

Abbott, Carl, et al. Colorad : A History of the Centennial State. University Press Of Colorado,

2013.

Colorado Women's Hall of Fame. “Julia Archibald Holmes - Pioneer, Women’s Rights

Advocate.” Www.youtube.com, 2014, https://youtu.be/0mJxuK3P888

Cunningham, Elizabeth. “Profiles: Legends:: Remarkable Women of Taos :: Remarkable

Women of Taos New Mexico.” Womenoftaos.org, 2011,

https://womenoftaos.org/women/profiles-legends?/item/74/Josefa-Carson-and-Ignacia-

Bent

Fort Worth Public Library. “Cathay Williams: The Only Documented Buffalo Soldier | Fort

Worth Public Library.” Www.youtube.com, 2022, https://youtu.be/cFUiFg4EBPw.

Garate, Don. Cuerno Verde and Juan Bautista de Anza Decisive Battle, September 3, 1779.

2001, Garate, Don. Cuerno Verde and Juan Bautista de Anza Decisive Battle, September

3, 1779. 2001,

https://www.pueblolibrary.org/sites/default/files/media/2020/juan_bautista_de_anza_and

_cuerno1.pdf.

Jacobs, Alex. “Wounds That Have Not Healed: Taos Revolt of 1847 and Kit Carson Park.” ICT,

2014, https://indiancountrytoday.com/archive/wounds-that-have-not-healed-taos-revolt-

of-1847-and-kit-carson-park

Rocky Mountain PBS. “Colorado Voices: Healing a Forgotten History.” Www.youtube.com,

2022, https://youtu.be/gDmHrSJLI6w.

The Kansas City Public Library. “Brides on the Santa Fe Trail.” Www.youtube.com, 2021,

https://youtu.be/hoKFzJN0HYE.