Spanish
Immigration to America moved on to the Spanish colony of New Mexico.
Francisco Vasquez de Coronado led the first Spanish army into New Mexico
in 1540. However, it is Juan de Onate, leading 500 people from Mexico
City, that first colonized the territory now called New Mexico, in
1598. The explorations of Juan de Onate extended from the Colorado River
to the plains of Kansas. Juan de Onate established his headquarters in
San Juan Pueblo and then San Gabriel. The Colonial Life of the Spanish
colonists was hard due to the climate and hostilities with the native
residents. There were frequent clashes between the Zuni and the Spanish
soldiers and settlers. By the beginning of the 1600's the Spanish
population in New Mexico had reached 3000.
