Book Review

This book promises to recount the tale of Spanish explorations in the land known today as Colorado, an area that for centuries was home to native peoples and that for much of the last five hundred years or so was under Spanish colonial administration. Using published primary and secondary accounts, Phil Carson summarizes the explorations of the "New World" province of New Mexico, which, as established in 1598, included the modern-day states of New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona, Utah, Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, Texas, and points beyond. The narrative serves as a travelogue, cataloging the expeditions organized by governor or explorer. Francisco Vásquez de Coronado, Juan de Oñate, Don Pedro de Peralta, and many others star in this chronicle of the opening up of this part of the modern United States West. Those familiar with the area will recognize the routes and wonder at how these intrepid men and their followers managed to persevere, despite bitter cold winters, blazingly hot summers, often inhospitable native adversaries, grizzlies, and other challenges. Only a late change in policy toward the natives finally led to a semblance of peace, increased "Anglo" settlement, and extended trade with the French and others.

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