Pueblo Revolt Drives Spanish from New Mexico

The Pueblo people of New Mexico, under the leadership of Popé of Ohkay Owingeh, launch a coordinated uprising on August 10, 1680, killing approximately 400 Spanish settlers and 21 missionaries and driving the remaining 2,000 Spanish south to El Paso del Norte. The revolt is the most successful indigenous uprising against Spanish colonial rule in North America. Pueblos destroy Spanish churches and ceremonial objects, declare their old ways restored, and maintain independence for 12 years. Spain reconquers New Mexico in 1692 under different, more conciliatory policies.