Worlds Forever Changed The Vázquez de Coronado Expedition to Central New Mexico, 1540-1542 featuring Dr. Matthew Schmader and Jon Ghahate
In 1540, one of Spain’s largest sixteenth century explorations entered into the American Southwest in search of diplomatic ties and potential wealth. The massive expedition was commanded by captain general Francisco Vázquez de Coronado under the sponsorship of Viceroy Antonio de Mendoza. The exploratory party ranged over northern Mexico, across New Mexico, and well into the Great Plains before realizing its goals would not be found.
This talk focuses on research done at a large ancestral village on the Rio Grande in central New Mexico. Results from 13 years of field investigation highlight the cultural clashes, history-changing events, and long-lasting effects of the expedition upon pueblo peoples of the area. Popular misconceptions about the Coronado exploration will be addressed in light of recently gained understanding about the first contact between outsiders and indigenous peoples of the Southwest.
Funding has been provided by Colorado Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act economic stabilization plan of 2020.
Acknowledgement is gratefully given to the American Battlefield Protection Program for funding important fieldwork in 2019. Results from the fieldwork are presented in part because of the Program and its funding. Gratitude is also extended to the City of Albuquerque Open Space Division and Petroglyph National Monument, and above all, to the indigenous peoples of the Rio Grande valley for their consistent support and the beauty of their culture.
