Donaciano Vigil

Donaciano Vigil (* 1802 in Santa Fe , Mexico ; † 1877 ) was a Mexican soldier and later American politician .

Early years

At the time of Vigil's birth, what is now New Mexico was still a Mexican province. He joined the Santa Fe militia in 1823. A long military career began. Over the next 25 years he rose to the command of the San Miguel de Bado militia. During this time he was involved in several Indian battles, but also internal uprisings. This included an attempt by the Texans in 1841 to induce the country to revolt against Mexican rule. In the meantime he was also Secretary of State for the Mexican Territorial Administration.

Politics in New Mexico

When the Mexican-American War broke out , Vigil was on the Mexican side. He and his militia were supposed to resist the American General Stephen W. Kearny . It did not come to the fight, however, because the Mexican territorial governor, against the will of Vigil, capitulated. This cleared the way for the US Army. Soon after, what would later become New Mexico Territory was occupied by the military of Kearny.

In this situation, General Kearney Vigil offered the post of Secretary of State in the new US territory . It was not easy for Vigil to accept this position because this step could also be interpreted as treason by his Mexican compatriots. Vigil accepted the position anyway because he believed that in this position he would be able to better help his compatriots. He also promised better living conditions for his compatriots by joining the USA. He was the representative of Charles Bent , the first civil territorial governor of New Mexico.

Territorial Governor of New Mexico

In January 1846, Charles Bent was killed in a Mexican uprising and the American military commander, General Sterling Price , asked Vigil to take over the post of governor. His first task was to restore calm. This succeeded with the help of the US Army until the summer of 1847. In the fall of 1847, Vigil called the first parliament of the new territory. There he demanded more new schools for the education of the children, which he was granted. In the further course he campaigned for the country to remain with the United States, which made him unpopular with some compatriots.

Another résumé

Little is known about Vigil's life after his governorship, which ended in 1848. He died in 1877. His contribution to the history of New Mexico in the transition from Mexican to US rule is ignored by most historians today. It is largely forgotten even in New Mexico. Nevertheless, he made a significant contribution to the creation of the New Mexico Territory.

Web links

• New Mexico Office of the State Historian (english)