New Mexico: A History of Four Centuries

The history of New Mexico is the story of three contrasting cultures-Indian, Spanish, and Anglo-American-clashing, coexisting, and blending. Here the Indians of Hawikuh-the first Zui pueblo encountered by Coronado's soldiers-gave battle to the Europeans in 1540. Here also Indians last took a stand against federal troops in 1913. A rich and colorful Spanish tradition, including institutions of family and church, social organizations, and the Spanish language, continues strong a century and a half after the acquisition of the territory by the United States. Anglo-Americans have also made their mark upon the land with public works, highways, and rapidly developing towns and cities. This history of New Mexico is intended for readers who want a brief, yet comprehensive treatment of the state's development. Warren A. Beck takes a balanced approach to all the themes in the state's varied history. He allows the whole story to emerge from the facts-in a concise and readable format. "Here is a book that every traveler in the state of New Mexico will want handy in his glove compartment, and every resident of the state who entertains visitors will want on his bookshelf. . . . It is loaded with information." Hispanic American Historical Review "A readable account of New Mexico history that hits the high spots of the past 400 years." New Mexico Magazine "Beck's book gives appropriate weight to each of five distinct divisions of the area's history-the Indian, the Spanish, the Mexican, the Territorial, and the Statehood periods. . . . The presentation is clear, pointed, and the story is carried through with the minimum of digression." Journal of the West Warren A. Beck (1918-91) was Professor of History at California State University, Fullerton. He is the co-author, with Ynez D. Haase, of Historical Atlas of New Mexico, Historical Atlas of California, and Historical Atlas of the West.