Stephen Watts Kearny and the Conquest of New Mexico

Stephen Watts Kearny (not "Kearney") led the Army of the West (1,600 dragoons, volunteers, Mormon Battalion) into New Mexico during the Mexican–American War (1846).

• August 1846: Entered Santa Fe unopposed; Governor Armijo fled.
• Proclaimed U.S. sovereignty; established civil government (Kearny Code).
• Continued to California; left Sterling Price in command.
• Taos Revolt (1847) – Crushed by Price.

Kearny's bloodless takeover was ratified by the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo (1848). He became military governor of California; died 1848.