Spanish explorer Francisco Vázquez de Coronado was one of the first Europeans to comprehensively explore New Mexico in 1540 after hearing grandiose stories told by Estebanico the Moor. Estebanico, Alvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca and two other companions were the first Europeans to see New Mexico. They roamed across the Southwest looking for Mexico after being shipwrecked and lost off the coast of Florida in the 1530s. To New Mexico, the Land of Enchantment! New Mexico became the 47th state Jan.

Spanish explorer Francisco Vázquez de Coronado was one of the first Europeans to comprehensively explore New Mexico in 1540 after hearing grandiose stories told by Estebanico the Moor. Estebanico, Alvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca and two other companions were the first Europeans to see New Mexico. They roamed across the Southwest looking for Mexico after being shipwrecked and lost off the coast of Florida in the 1530s. To New Mexico, the Land of Enchantment! New Mexico became the 47th state Jan.

The most reliable early records for New Mexico are those created by the Spanish and Mexican governments and the Catholic church but there are also an 1850 US Census and good county records after 1850. There are a few old queries. Last update 24 Apr 2016.