The New Mexico Territory Slave Code (1859-1862)

Slavery in New Mexico Territory was never focused on black bondage as in the Southern states. New Mexico Territory never had more than a dozen or so black slaves because it had other forms sources of coerced labor, both Native American indentured servants and slaves, … Read MoreThe New Mexico Territory Slave Code (1859-1862)

Anita Scott Coleman (1890-1960)

Anita Scott Coleman was a relatively unknown but important western contributor to the Harlem Renaissance.  Born in Guaymas, Sonora, Mexico in 1890, Coleman’s mother, Mary Ann, met her father, William Henry Scott, near Fort Elliott, Texas where he served as a buffalo soldier. He retired … Read MoreAnita Scott Coleman (1890-1960)

(1859) An Act to Provide for the Protection of Property in Slaves in this Territory (New Mexico)

Be it enacted by the Legislative Assembly of the Territory of New Mexico: SECTION 1.  That every person who shall be convicted of the unlawful killing of a slave or other offence upon the person of a slave within this Territory, whether as principal or … Read More(1859) An Act to Provide for the Protection of Property in Slaves in this Territory (New Mexico)

William “Curly” Neal (1849-1936)

William “Curly” Neal helped turn a frontier western mining camp in the Santa Catalina Mountains of Arizona into a booming town that attracted businessmen and financiers, elite vacationers, and royals from around the world. His various business ventures as a teamster, passenger and freight hauler, … Read MoreWilliam “Curly” Neal (1849-1936)

James Coody Johnson (1864-1927)

James Coody Johnson was an African Creek lawyer, politician and entrepreneur, and a leading voice for inclusion of African Americans both before and after Oklahoma statehood.  Johnson was the son of Robert Johnson, the African Creek interpreter for the Seminole nation and Elizabeth Davis (Johnson), … Read MoreJames Coody Johnson (1864-1927)