Río Arriba Rebellion

Quick Facts: Who was Río Arriba Rebellion?

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Río Arriba Rebellion

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An 1837 Pueblo-Hispano revolt in New Mexico that briefly established an independent government.

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Origins & Early Life

The Río Arriba Rebellion, also known as the Chimayó Rebellion, was an 1837 Pueblo-Hispano popular revolt in New Mexico which succeeded in briefly placing José María González and Pablo Montoya as governor of Mexico's Santa Fe de Nuevo México territory. González and Montoya were both Taos Pueblo Indigenous and led the independent Cantón de Nuevo México, also known as the Junta Popular, which was the most ethnically inclusive government in the history of New Mexico. They became the only Pueblo rulers in the history of New Mexico since Po'pay and Luis Tupatu of the Pueblo confederation. José María González was from Chimayó and replaced unpopular Mexican governor Albino Pérez before his replacement by Montoya. Both González and Pérez were killed during the rebellion, but Montoya would survive to lead the Taos Revolt ten years later.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

The revolt underlined how increased isolation from Mexico City combined with "Mexico's declarations of political equality for all ethnic groups" increased Pueblo and Hispano cooperation in Mexican New Mexico—"the two groups ousted the governor and briefly established an Independent state—the Cantón—with an Indian serving as its governor. Governor Pérez had arrived from central Mexico in 1835. The Pérez administration was opposed by the people and especially by the inhabitants of the northern part of the territory, who resented the "outsider" forced upon them by President Santa Anna. Their dissatisfaction was exacerbated when, following Santa Anna's defeat in Texas, the Mexican government drafted a constitution that tightened administration and tax-collection and imposed property qualifications on political participation. New Mexicans assumed that Pérez would attempt to levy the taxes and completely restructure the regional political system in accordance with the new constitution.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Other grievances included Pérez's reinstatement of Francisco Sarracino, a former governor who had been suspended for fraud from his position as subcomisario (a customs official); Pérez's appointment of a civil servant named Ramón Abreu as prefect when others thought they were better candidates; Pérez's failure to rein in customs officials who defrauded American traders on the Santa Fe Trail, some of whom lived in Taos in Northern New Mexico; and the inadequate food and bad conditions endured by men forced to serve in the militia against the Navajo and Apache. Some may also have resented his adultery (he openly had a relationship with his housekeeper, his wife being in Mexico City) and his wealth and luxurious possessions, as most New Mexicans were poor. Opposition to Pérez increased, with his opponents circulating rumors of enormous taxes. The Departmental Assembly's list of three nominees for the next gubernatorial term did not include him. Opposition culminated in the summer of 1837, with the spark that set off the rebellion having to do with the alcalde (mayor) of Santa Cruz de la Cañada, Juan José Esquibel.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1835: 1835 Milestone — Governor Pérez had arrived from central Mexico in 1835.
2. 1837: 1837 Milestone — The Río Arriba Rebellion, also known as the Chimayó Rebellion, was an 1837 Pueblo-Hispano popular revolt in New Mexico which succeeded in briefly placing José María González and Pablo Montoya as governor of Mexico's Santa Fe de Nuevo México territory.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Río Arriba Rebellion

True or False: “The Río Arriba Rebellion was solely an uprising led by Hispano settlers against Mexican authority.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The revolt was a Pueblo-Hispano popular revolt, notably featuring the participation and leadership of Taos Pueblo Indigenous individuals.

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