Elfego Baca Collection
Collection
Identifier: MSS -249-SC
Scope and Content
Elfego Baca's campaign brochures make up the bulk of this small collection. The brochures contain a brief history of Baca's life, including stories of gunfights, Billy the Kid, and dealings with the law, while also outlining his political ambitions. Additionally, the collection contains two pieces of correspondence written by Baca, an open letter written by Baca about the 1940 election, a letter from Mrs. Elfego Baca to Clinton P. Anderson informing him of Baca's death, and Baca's memorial card. One of the campaign brochures is written in Spanish.
Dates
- 1904-1945 (bulk 1934-1945)
Creator
- University of New Mexico (Organization)
Language of Materials
English
Access Restrictions
Collection is open for research.
Copy Restrictions
Limited duplication of CSWR material is allowed for research purposes. User is responsible for compliance with all copyright, privacy, and libel laws. Permission is required for publication or distribution.
Biography
Elfego Baca was one of New Mexico's more colorful characters. Regarded as both a bad guy and a good guy, Baca's life was full of controversy, drama, and humor. He pursued careers as lawyer, private detective, real estate dealer, newspaper publisher, sheriff, county clerk, school superintendent, mayor, district attorney, and candidate for governor of New Mexico and for U.S. House of Representatives. Baca was also known as a pioneer gunfighter.
Baca was born in Socorro, New Mexico. Although his father (Francisco Baca) moved the family to Kansas for part of his youth, Elfego returned to Socorro and from there launched into his political career. He was elected Socorro County Clerk in 1893, and served in this capacity until 1896. During his tenure as county clerk, Baca was admitted to the bar. From 1896-1898, he was mayor of the city of Socorro. He then became school superintendent for Socorro county from 1900-1901. Governor Otero appointed him district attorney for Socorro and Sierra counties in 1905; in 1906, he complied with a request to resign this position. The last elected office that he held was sheriff of Socorro county, 1919-1920.
Baca practiced law in Albuquerque during his later years. He died at his home in Albuquerque on August 27, 1945.
Baca was born in Socorro, New Mexico. Although his father (Francisco Baca) moved the family to Kansas for part of his youth, Elfego returned to Socorro and from there launched into his political career. He was elected Socorro County Clerk in 1893, and served in this capacity until 1896. During his tenure as county clerk, Baca was admitted to the bar. From 1896-1898, he was mayor of the city of Socorro. He then became school superintendent for Socorro county from 1900-1901. Governor Otero appointed him district attorney for Socorro and Sierra counties in 1905; in 1906, he complied with a request to resign this position. The last elected office that he held was sheriff of Socorro county, 1919-1920.
Baca practiced law in Albuquerque during his later years. He died at his home in Albuquerque on August 27, 1945.
Extent
1 Folder
Creator
- University of New Mexico (Organization)
- Title
- Finding Aid of the Elfego Baca Collection, 1904-1945 (bulk 1934-1945)
- Status
- For Approval
- Author
- Processed by B. Silbergleit
- Date
- ©1999
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
- Language of description note
- Finding aid is in English
Revision Statements
- June 28, 2004: PUBLIC "-//The University of New Mexico::Center for Southwest Research//TEXT (US::NmU::MSS 249 SC)//EN" "nmu1mss249sc.sgml" converted from EAD 1.0 to 2002 by v1to02.xsl (sy2003-10-15).
- Monday, 20210524: Attribute normal is missing or blank.
Repository Details
Part of the UNM Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections Repository
Contact:
University of New Mexico Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections
University Libraries, MSC05 3020
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque NM 87131
505-277-6451
cswrref@unm.edu
University of New Mexico Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections
University Libraries, MSC05 3020
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque NM 87131
505-277-6451
cswrref@unm.edu