Pueblos, Spaniards, and the Kingdom of New Mexico

by John L. Kessell

For more than four hundred years in New Mexico, Pueblo Indians and Spaniards have lived “together yet apart.” Now the preeminent historian of that region’s colonial past offers a fresh, balanced look at the origins of a precarious relationship. John L. Kessell has written the first narrative history devoted to the tumultuous seventeenth century in New Mexico. Setting aside stereotypes of a Native American Eden and the Black Legend of Spanish cruelty, he paints an evenhanded picture of a tense but interwoven coexistence. Beginning with the first permanent Spanish settlement among the Pueblos of the Rio Grande in 1598, he proposes a set of relations more complicated than previous accounts envisioned and then reinterprets the Pueblo Revolt of 1680 and the Spanish reconquest in the 1690s. Kessell clearly describes the Pueblo world encountered by Spanish conquistador Juan de Oñate and portrays important but lesser-known Indian partisans, all while weaving analysis and interpretation into the flow of life in seventeenth-century New Mexico. Brimming with new insights embedded in an engaging narrative, Kessell’s work presents a clearer picture than ever before of events leading to the Pueblo Revolt. Pueblos, Spaniards, and the Kingdom of New Mexico is the definitive account of a volatile era.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

238 pages, Paperback

First published November 19, 2008

Reviews

[Daniel Morgan · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is actually a pretty gripping narrative of historical events in Spanish New Mexico - the book focuses entirely on exploring the individuals involved, the differences between the Pueblos, factions, alliances, diplomacy, battles, etc.

However, I criticize the fact that the author seems to treat the Spanish-Pueblo relationship as that between "neighbors" and "cousins", setting up an almost buddy-buddy description of what was always a fundamentally exploitative colonial regime.

For example, towards the end of the book on page 175 "seventeenth-century Pueblos and Spaniards had worked out the basis of a dynamic coexistence. More by experience than by plan, more by peaceful exchange than by war, they had learned to live together yet apart. And they continue to do so today". This seems like an odd conclusion, given that the previous 100 pages had been spent discussing by my count at least 6 separate phases of war and rebellion. Or the fact that many of the Puebloans who grew fed up with the Spaniards simply moved among the independent Hopi and Navajo (which the author discusses!). Or even the conclusion of "they continue to do so today", which completely papers over ongoing social and land claim conflicts between indigenous peoples and Spanish/Mexican populations from the 16th century up to today.

There are similar examples of explicitly papering over these difficult relationships throughout the book. Even if the author was convinced of the questionable choice to not critically examine the racial, social, and economic consequences of imperialism and colonialism, the book would have been far stronger if Kessel had simply stuck to writing a straightforward historical narrative without inserting dubious kumbaya.

[Jose Esquibel · Rating 5 out of 5]

John L. Kessell is a well-respected historian and best known for his work, ‘Kiva Cross and Crown’ (National Park Service, 1979) and as lead editor for the outstanding volumes of ‘The Journals of don Diego de Vargas, 1691-1704’(University of New Mexico Press, 1989-2002, 7 volumes).

In ‘Pueblo, Spaniards and the Kingdom of New Mexico,’ Kessell presents the most accessible and engaging account of the history of seventeenth-century New Mexico available in print. His concise historical overview is full of insights into relationships between the Pueblo Indians and the Spanish residents. He delves into the political factionalism that characterized the struggle for power and authority between the successive governors and the Franciscan leaders of New Mexico.

The book is a quick read and highly recommended. It’s not only valuable for understanding the social and political dynamics that shaped the history of New Mexico in the 1600s, it's a ‘must read’ for anyone with ancestral roots in New Mexico who is conducting research into their family history.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very engaging and interesting history of the colonial period of New Mexico. I think it would be a great first history to read about Spanish colonialism in New Mexico, mainly because it’s well written and engaging. I also think the way he approaches history to the stories of well-known individuals taking an almost biographical perspective works very well. I didn’t know very much about the pueblo cultures of the region and I thought he provided excellent background —both about the religion as well as how to organize the societies were.. The book almost could’ve been about the 1680 Pueblo revolt— The background to it and then of course the way it continues to reverberate down in history. Even down to his post script he talks about a few of the famous incidences. He says from the very beginning that he is setting aside all notions of the good guys and bad guys and that there’s enough violence on both sides to go around. This probably is to the detriment of the book because the colonial project—an invasion— informed everything. The author is a respected historian and professor emeritus and he is somebody involved in efforts toward reconciliation and goodwill. I was not aware that the famous battle at acoma that ended with the mutilation—foot amputations etc.— of the losing side was not fact. Or it is disputed. I thought it was documented fact.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fascinating read. Not having been raised in New Mexico and only learning the history little by little over the past several years, there was a lot in this book that I hadn’t previously known about. I didn’t realize how volatile the situation was in the late 1690’s. I’m so glad someone recommended this book to me. I feel like I have a much clearer sense of the scope of the conflicts. It’s quite stunning, actually. I intend to continue learning about this time period.

[Shirley · Rating 3 out of 5]

A history of New Mexico, 1598-1700. That's a whoooole lotta war and death.

Not much domestic history described and surprisingly few mentions of disease. I definitely don't care for the narrative style, with the random unwieldy stories I felt I had to tease actual information out of. This was a bit of a slog tbh. But I think it will be good for book club discussion, I'll think more on this and write up more later.

Now to find a decent 18th century NM history.

[Lorraine Tosiello · Rating 3 out of 5]

Written by an expert on Spanish/Native interaction with a dispassionate eye. I learned a lot in this slim volume which tries to make sense of competing agendas, shifts in alliances and the unknowable understanding between factions. As usual in history, the story is writ in battles and defeats. I would have liked to follow some of those hostages, slaves, unseated Spanish families, decimated natives and forced brides to learn more about life in the colony.

[Freddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good overview of the early history of Spanish colonization of New Mexico. It is divided by time periods and describes the various Spanish governors and the hardships they faced colonizing such an isolated territory. It also has some personalized accounts of specific people. Quick and interesting read.

[Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this quick read. An interesting lens to look at 17th century New Mexico. I think there are some promising threads that Kessell is pulling at regarding the relationship of the Pueblo Indians and the Spanish settlers, missionaries, and administrators.