Mexico gained its independence from Spain in 1821 and New Mexico became a Mexican Territory.
Thousands of settlers along with their animals and belongings traveled into New Mexico along the trail known as El Camino de Tierra Adentro.
At this time New Mexico's only contact with the United States was through the Santa Fe Trail. The Santa FeTrail was established in 1821 when trading policies were changed.
The trail began in Independence, Missouri and ended in Santa Fe. The first Anglo-Americans to see New Mexico came along the Santa FeTrail bringing families and valuable trade goods. Many of these traders continued along the El Camino Real down to Mexico City.
The arrival of the railroad in New Mexico brought an end to most of the travel along the Santa Fe Trail. It was much faster and economical to travel by train.
In 1848 the United States was involved in a war with Mexico aptly called the Mexican American War. The signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo gave, among other areas, New Mexico to the United States.
New Mexico is now a territory of the United States.
Go to United States Rule