Taft Didn't Get Arizona and New Mexico—Congress Did (1863/1912)
Historical Correction
William Howard Taft (president 1909–1913) did not "get" Arizona and New Mexico. The territories were created and admitted under other administrations.
Timeline
| Event | Date | President | Mechanism |
|---|
| New Mexico Territory created | Sep 9, 1850 | Millard Fillmore | Compromise of 1850 (Congress) |
| Arizona Territory created | Feb 24, 1863 | Abraham Lincoln | Arizona Organic Act (Congress) |
| NM Enabling Act | Jun 20, 1910 | William Howard Taft | Congress authorized state constitution |
| AZ Enabling Act | Jun 20, 1910 | William Howard Taft | Same bill |
| NM Statehood | Jan 6, 1912 | William Howard Taft | Proclamation |
| AZ Statehood | Feb 14, 1912 | William Howard Taft | Proclamation |
What Taft Actually Did
- Signed the Enabling Act (1910) — allowing territories to draft constitutions.
- Vetoed Arizona's first constitution (1911) — objected to judicial recall provision.
- Arizona removed recall → Taft approved → statehood.
- Signed both statehood proclamations (1912).
Why the Confusion?
- Taft was president when they became states (47th & 48th).
- People conflate "territory creation" with "statehood admission."
- Taft's recall veto is a notable footnote — but he didn't acquire the land.
Land Acquisition (The Real "Getting")
- 1848 Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo (Polk) — most of NM, AZ north of Gila River.
- 1854 Gadsden Purchase (Pierce) — southern AZ (Tucson, Yuma) for railroad route.
Bottom Line
Taft admitted them as states. Lincoln created Arizona Territory. Polk & Pierce acquired the land. Congress did the legislating. Taft's role: gatekeeper at the finish line.
Wanderlust World