Statehood of New Mexico Essay Example

powerful speech endorsing a bill to protect the rights of freed African Americans. As he finished his speech, New Mexico's territorial delegate to Congress, Stephen B. Elkins, entered the room and praised his colleague without realizing the full extent of his remarks. This prompted many Southern congressmen to view Elkins' action as support for civil rights legislation, which led to several lost votes needed for statehood approval. Consequently, while Colorado achieved statehood that year, New Mexico remained a territory for another 36 years due to various issues such as racial inequality, religious dissimilarities and economic difficulties that hindered its progress towards statehood despite unwavering dedication.

President William H. Taft signed an Enabling Act in 1910, granting permission for the territory to conduct a constitutional convention and attain statehood. On October 3rd of that year, representatives from every county convened in Santa Fe to create a constitution. The constitution was ratified by voters on January 21, 1911, advancing New Mexico's progress towards becoming part of the United States of America. A distinguished delegation from New Mexico visited Washington D.C. in celebration of this historic event.

President Taft signed the proclamation that officially welcomed New Mexico as the 47th state. He signed the document on January 6, 1912, at 1:35 P.M. After completing the long-awaited act, Taft addressed the delegation and expressed, "Well, it is all over."

Granting you existence and wishing you good health brings me happiness. On January 15, 1912, William C. McDonald became the first Governor of the State of New Mexico after a difficult process culminated in achieving statehood. His inauguration on the steps of the Santa Fe capitol building marked this milestone moment. The state

faced the subsequent challenge of proving its worth as a valuable member of the Union.

Over time, New Mexico has undergone significant transformations caused by diverse factors such as world wars and different economic and political advancements. These changes have surpassed the expectations of its original inhabitants including Spanish conquerors, Mexican farmers, French trappers, American soldiers, and Jewish merchants. Nevertheless, every group that established itself in New Mexico has played a role in shaping it into their own home.