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The U.S. Army invades and captures New Mexico in the Mexican-American War in 1846.
The Mexican-American War ends with the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1850. -
As part of the Compromise of 1850, New Mexico becomes a territory of the United States.
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The Civil War begins; Confederate troops occupy southern New Mexico.
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Kit Carson defeats the Navajo's, who are then forced on the Long Walk to Bosque Redondo.
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Mescalero Apaches held at Bosque Redondo flee to their homeland to the south.
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John Tunstall is killed, starting the Lincoln County War.
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The Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railroad builds the first tracks into New Mexico.
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Sheriff Pat Garrett kills Billy the Kid, essentially ending the Lincoln County War.
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Arizona voters reject a plan to enter the union as a single state with New Mexico.
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New Mexico achieves statehood at last.
