Historical1912
New Mexico Admitted as 47th State
New Mexico was admitted as the 47th state, ending over 60 years as a territory. Its path to statehood had been repeatedly delayed by prejudice against its large Hispanic and Native American populations and concerns about its residents' readiness for self-governance.
Why It Matters
New Mexico's delayed statehood illustrated how ethnic and cultural biases could obstruct the democratic principle of self-government, and its admission expanded representation for diverse communities.