History Resources
Timeline
1598: Village of Socorro named by Juan de Oñate, after receiving help (“succor”) from the Piro Indians there1626: First Catholic mission established
1680: Pueblo Revolt
1692: New Mexico reconquered by Spain
1815: Spanish settlements begin in the area
1821: Area becomes part of Mexico
1848: End of Mexican-American War
1850: New Mexico becomes US Territory
1852: Socorro County established by the Territorial Legislature of New Mexico
1854: Fort Craig occupied
1889: New Mexico School of Mines founded
History of the Socorro Land Grant
You can read a wonderful, detailed account of the history of the Socorro area at the New Mexico State Historian's site here.
Socorro County Historical Society
The society has dozens of articles, newsletters, photos, and links at their website.
National Register of Historic Places
Within these somewhat technical reports at the National Archives are MANY historical facts and mini-biographies. Read the "Significance..." sections.
Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway Depot
Domestic Architecture in Socorro
Fort Wingate Historic District
Historic Highway Bridges of New Mexico
Illinois Brewery (now the Hammel Museum)
MacDonald Merchandise Building
Main Street Commercial Building
New Mexico Campus Buildings Built 1906--1937 TR