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Constitutional Convention of 1872, 1850-1910

 File — Reel-frame: 38:15

Scope and Contents

On September 1, 1871, Marsh Giddings succeeded William Pile as Governor of the Territory of New Mexico. In January, 1872 a new constitution was drawn up and presented before a joint meeting of both houses where it was approved on January 30, 1872. A proclamation was issued by Governor Giddings, April 2, calling for a referendum to be held on June 3 to determine if the territory was in favor of the constitution for statehood. For numerous reasons, many of them strictly political, the voter turnout was quite small and the majority of the votes was against the constitution. The English and a Spanish copy of this document are in the Historical Society of New Mexico Collections, State Records Center. The English copy of the constitution has sustained serious water and vermin damage. No other official documents relating to the 1872 Constitutional Convention are extant.

Dates

  • 1850-1910

Language of Materials

From the Collection: English.

Access Restrictions

Access to original territorial materials restricted; Use microfilm only (Territorial Archives of New Mexico).

Extent

From the Collection: 500 Linear Feet

Repository Details

Part of the New Mexico State Records Center and Archives Repository

Contact:
1209 Camino Carlos Rey
Santa Fe NM 87507
(505) 476-7948