1. Confederate Occupation: In early 1862, Confederate forces led by General Henry H. Sibley launched a campaign to capture New Mexico and secure the southwestern region for the Confederacy. The Confederate army occupied Santa Fe, the territorial capital, and briefly controlled much of the territory.
2. Battle of Glorieta Pass: The decisive battle of the Civil War in New Mexico occurred at Glorieta Pass in March 1862. Union forces, including volunteers from Colorado and New Mexico, defeated the Confederate army and prevented them from gaining further control of the territory.
3. Territorial Politics: The Civil War also influenced territorial politics in New Mexico. The region was deeply divided between pro-Union and pro-Confederate factions, leading to political tensions and conflicts within the territory.
4. Economic Disruption: The Civil War disrupted trade and economic activities in New Mexico. The territory's economy was largely dependent on agriculture and livestock, which were affected by the war-related disruptions.
5. Increased Military Presence: The presence of Union troops and the establishment of military installations in New Mexico during the Civil War contributed to the growth of military settlements and the development of infrastructure in the territory.
6. Emancipation Proclamation: Although New Mexico was not a slave territory, the Emancipation Proclamation issued by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863 declared freedom for all enslaved people in Confederate territories. This had implications for any potential escapees or enslaved individuals in New Mexico.
Overall, while New Mexico was not directly involved in the major battles of the Civil War, it still experienced significant consequences and divisions due to its strategic location and the presence of both Union and Confederate forces during the conflict.
