Don Diego de Vargas

Don Diego de Vargas was determined to reclaim the New Mexico territory for Spain without bloodshed. Twelve years earlier, in 1680, the Pueblos rose up against the Spanish colonists and killed 21 missionary priests, forcing the colonists back to Mexico. When De Vargas returned in 1692, he paid for the entire excursion out of his own money and placed his mission under the protection of Our Lady of the Rosary La Conquistadora. His mission was initially successful, but was fraught with political sabotage and ultimately more bloodshed. Yet, Deigo remains to history The Peaceful Conquistador.