In 1793 the count of New Mexicans according to the viceregal archives* was 30,953. A pretty precise number without any breakdown in numbers. The figure does contain the numbers of Pueblo Indians but no numbers for the "wild tribes".
In 1810 Fernando Navarro* placed the population of New Mexico at 34,205. He broke down the total to 20 priests, 10,557 Indians (Pueblo) and 23,628 "castas" or people of mixed breeds no pure Spaniards were noted. This figure does not contain numbers associated with "los Indios Barbaros"
1846 - 45,000 Estimated at the time the Americans conquered and occupied the area. This estimate would include the Pueblo Indians.
The numbers used above include the historical pre American New Mexican population. This includes the El Paso/Juarez area.
1850 - 61,547* "The Census of 1850 was the first taken by the United States in New Mexico, and not notable for its accuracy in regards to New Mexico". These numbers do not include the El Paso area nor any area in southern New Mexico later purchased as a result of the Gadason Purchase.The breakdown here is as follows:
- Born in New Mexico, 58,145 - Includes Pueblo Indians but not the "wild tribes".
- Born elsewhere in the United States, 722
- Foreign born, 2,151
- Place of birth unknown, 209
**"Despite the fact that the state usually leads the country in birth rate, The recent large growth must be attributed to migration into New Mexico. This influx has lessened the relative importance of the Spanish and the Indian populations, the distinct ethnic groups within the state."
The population trends 1498 - 1846, the year of the coming of the Americans, a period of 248 years show or would otherwise indicate a rise in the number of Hispanos, a decline in the Pueblos and a sharp rise in the wild tribes. The Hispanos would have risen from zero to whatever was here when the Americans annexed the province. The Pueblos were decimated by European disease, the Spanish themselvs and the constant harassment and warfare with the wild tribes. The wild tribes benefited from new technologies, new food sources and most of all, the introduction of the horse.
The population trends 1846 - 2010, The American period has seen an overall population increase for each of the groups. Hispanos have increased but became less, percentage wise, the same goes for the Pueblos and the "wild tribes". The non Hispanic non Indian (Anglo) population has increased dramatically, from near zero to what it is today at 40.5% of the total. The state was denied statehood until it was ascertained that the Anglo's were in the majority or able to ensure victory at elections.
* Refer to the book titled "New Mexico in 1850: A Military View written by Colonel George Archibald McCall and published by the University of Oklahoma Press at Norman, Oklahoma.
** Refer to the book "New Mexico, A History of Four Centuries," authored by Warren A. Beck and published by the University of Oklahoma Press in 1962.
