Chasing the Santa Fe Ring: Power and Privilege in Territorial New Mexico

by David L. Caffey

Anyone who has even a casual acquaintance with the history of New Mexico in the nineteenth century has heard of the Santa Fe Ring--seekers of power and wealth in the post-Civil War period famous for public corruption and for dispossessing land holders. Surprisingly, however, scholars have alluded to the Ring but never really described this shadowy entity, which to this day remains a kind of black hole in New Mexico's territorial history. David Caffey looks beyond myth and symbol to explore its history. Who were its supposed members, and what did they do to deserve their unsavory reputation? Were their actions illegal or unethical? What were the roles of leading figures like Stephen B. Elkins and Thomas B. Catron? What was their influence on New Mexico's struggle for statehood? Caffey's book tells the story of the rise and fall of this remarkably durable alliance.

Genres: History

336 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2014

Reviews

[Wayne Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is an excellent reference source but given that the history of New Mexico during the Santa Fe Ring's reign of terror is a riveting one, the writing is rather dull. Perhaps this is due to the frequent repetition or merely because it is merely a compilation of facts without a story being told. At any rate, it reads more like a textbook.

[Bob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent research, very detailed. But it is a bit ponderous unless you have a deep interest in the Ring.