A Little Piece of History

In order to truly appreciate the piece of history I will be writing about, one must realize that this was a time when Kit Carson was still alive and kicking, Billy the Kid was the talk of the territory and the Civil War had just broken out. Quite possibly one of the most important events of this time happened on March 4, 1861 - the Presidential Inauguration of Abraham Lincoln. On May 30, 1861, by order of A. Lincolns' presidential proclamation, Colonel E. R. S. Canby would recruit a volunteer force in New Mexico. These volunteers would be made up of the local citizens in order to combat the ongoing Indian and outlaw problem, as well as defend against any type of invasion from Texas.

On Oct. 1, 1861, Pablo Lucero volunteered to join the forces at Fort Union. He was mustered into the 19th Infantry, Captain William D. Simpson's Co. of New Mexican "Spies & Guides". Pablo brought his own horse, a requirement for "mounted" volunteers, and his own weapons, since none was issued to him. He was however issued one screwdriver at the cost of 46 cents. Kind of high for the times, but remember it's the U. S. government. Juan de Jesus Vigil volunteered on Oct. 18th, brought his own horse but was issued a Colt revolver for $40 and one screwdriver at 46 cents.

As the Texans pushed closer to Fort Union, New Mexico's call for help was finally answered by volunteer forces from the Colorado Territory. It was these troops, led by Col. Slough & then Major J. M. Chivington, that played a very major role in turning back the forces of the Texans. They arrived at Fort Union, the very same day Captain W. D. Simpson's Co. of New Mexico Volunteers, including Pablo Lucero & Juan de Jesus Vigil. The date was March 10, 1862.

After returning from New Mexico, Chivington was promoted to Colonel and turned his attention to the supposed Indian problem. One of his biggest supporters was Governor John Evans. On Aug. 11, 1864, Gov. Evans received authority to raise a mounted regiment of "One hundred day Volunteers".

They were able to convince the leaders in Washington that more forces were needed to protect the law abiding citizens from the "savage indians". One must remember, Abraham Lincoln has just been re-elected, the Civil War was winding down, but the indian problem was much smaller than they were led to believe.

On Sept. 27, 1864, Lucas Ortiz volunteered in Denver and was mustered in Company H, Third Regiment of Colorado Cavalry, One Hundred Day Volunteers. "The Third" along with three other companies headed south to the Arkansas River. Their destiny would be "The Sand Creek Massacre", the most tragic event in the history of Colorado. I suggest you read the Sand Creek Massacre, by Stan Hoig, by far the best historical account of what happened before, during, and after this very tragic day.

Lucas Ortiz was discharged from Company H, Third Regiment of Colorado Cavalry, on Dec. 29, 1864. It's interesting to note that Col. Chivington's enlistment had actually ended in September of 1864, therefore he was not held accountable for his military actions regarding the massacre.

Pablo Lucero married Maria Lucina Garcia, & they eventually lived in the Trujillo Creek area. Juan de Jesus Vigil, who was in the same regiment, moved to Trujillo Creek about the same time. Were Juan & Pablo close enough friends that Juan would tell Pablo of this place & encourage him to move there?

Or is it just a coincidence that their final resting places are literally within a few feet of each other in the Trujillo Creek Cemetery.

Pablo & Maria Lucina would have a son in 1877 & name him Ramon Lucero. Lucas & Rumalda raised a daughter of Rumalda's, named Valeria (born 1833), who would marry Ramon. On January 22, 1904, they had a son whom they named Anastacio, my Grandfather.

There are a lot of questions that can't be answered, but what a price I would pay, to be there when these two first met & shook hands. Did they know how Chivington would affect both of their lives?

Written by Brian Romero