The First Public Hangings in New Mexico

The pursuit for retribution for the Taos Revolt didn't stop at St. Jerome Church. American settlers were set on seeing justice.

Last week we explored the retribution Colonel Sterling Price and his American forces sought for the Taos Revolt. After burning St. Jerome Church to the ground, the Americans continued their march. In this, the last installment of our four-part visit to 1840s New Mexico, we’ll explore the final acts of the Taos Revolt. 

March on Mora and a Day in Court

Following the Taos Revolt, the U.S. military was intent on demonstrating the consequences of rebellion. They were out for retribution and to make an example of the locals who in their eyes had committed an insurrection. When the attack on St. Jerome Church concluded, many of the local Pueblo and Hispanos who survived were captured. 

Meanwhile, in the nearby town of Mora, Captain Israel Hendely led U.S. troops in a mission to capture or kill other conspirators and rebels. As they marched into Mora, they discovered that locals were prepared to defend the town. From windows and buildings, the troops took heavy fire. Hendely himself was shot and killed. Lacking artillery and a senior leader to step into the void resulting from Hendely’s death, the American retreated. But the fight for Mora was far from over.

Back in Taos, some of the captured rebels were subject to a makeshift tribunal. For the likes of Pablo Montoyo, a co-planner for the attack that killed Governor Bent, a quick court martial took place. Montoyo was sentenced to execution. Those who went through tribunal found themselves being tried through civil law.

Appointed as judges were Joab Houghton and Charles H. Beaubien. Houghton had been a close friend of Governor Bent’s and Beaubien’s son had been killed during the attack. Both had experience as judges on the New Mexico Territory Superior Court and were appointments made by Bent himself the previous August. 

As for the jury, it featured George Bent as foreman, Lucien Maxwell, and several other family friends to the Bents. George Bent was Governor Bent’s brother and Maxwell was a brother-in-law to Judge Beaubien. With the Anglo population of Taos so small, the jury pool was extremely limited. And it was near impossible to find folks who had no affiliation to Governor Bent. Nevertheless, the trial moved forward. Court was in session for fifteen days. When all was said and done, the jury found 15 men guilty of murder and treason. The condemned included several prominent Pueblo leaders who had played a hand in the uprising. Their sentence: death.  

Aiming to Send a Message

In April 1847, in the plaza of Taos, a macabre scene unfolded. The condemned men, their hands bound, were led to the gallows. Many believe that the hanging of the Pueblo leaders was more than an act of vengeance; it was a calculated display of power. The U.S. authorities sought to quell any further resistance by instilling fear and demonstrating their dominance.

There would be at least 28 men who hanged for their role in the Taos Revolt. Years later, after a U.S. Supreme Court review, all but one of the convictions was affirmed. And while the U.S. had hoped this would send a message to subdue the Pueblos and Hispanos, it failed.

The Second Battle of Mora

Battles would erupt at Red River Canyon, Cienega Creek, and a second battle would occur at Mora. Seeking revenge for their failed first attack on Mora, Captain Jesse Morin marched with 200 men back to the town. This time however, they had brought artillery.

The fight that erupted this time around was short-lived. Locals began fleeing the town. Morin issued orders to his men to pursue those trying to escape. He then ordered his men to destroy the town. They killed stragglers, looted, and burned the town and its nearby settlements to the ground. His scorched earth orders received mixed feelings from his men and other military leaders. As for the locals, they would return to the ruins of Mora and rebuild. 

The 1840s were a tumultuous decade in New Mexico. Erupting conflicts between Native Americans and settlers were a hallmark of clashing cultures and changing times. The political upheaval following the Mexican-American War only amplified the disruption. Throughout history rapid change is often associated with tensions that explode into violence and tragedy. New Mexico in the 1840s was no different.

History for the Hurried:

May 30, 1783: The Pennsylvania Evening Post became the first daily newspaper published in America.

May 30, 1922: The Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., was dedicated. The Memorial was designed by architect Henry Bacon and brought to life by sculptor Daniel Chester French.