Unwanted in the West Presence of outlaws, Indians, Catholics
delayed statehood for N.M., Arizona This year marks the 100th
anniversary of statehood for Arizona and New Mexico, but why did
it take until 1912 for them to become states? Amidst all the
hoopla of centennial celebrations the actual history of
statehood deserves a closer look. What it reveals is a pattern
of racism and discrimination against Native Americans, Hispanics
and Catholics. Eastern politicians were not sure they wanted to
dilute the body politic. For New Mexico the long road to
statehood included, according to New Mexico State Historian Rick
Hendricks, "four constitutions and four referenda, some 15
congressional proposals, two enabling acts, six delegations to
Washington and 62 years" from territorial designation to New
Mexico's 47th star on the nation's flag. The New York Times and
Harper's Weekly railed against New Mexico joining the union.
Explorers in the 19th century set the rhetorical pattern.
Americans sought the Southwest's minera