New Mexico State Records Center and Archives

The Public Records Act of 1959 created the State Records Center and Archives (1959 NM Laws, Chp. 245, Sec. 1-19).

From the description of State Records Center and Archives collection of New Mexico photographs [graphic]. 1880-[ongoing] (Santa Fe Public Library). WorldCat record id: 38453135

The New Mexico State Records Center and Archives has maintained history files on various New Mexico topics since it began operations in 1960.

From the description of New Mexico State Records Center and Archives history files, 1935-[ongoing]. (Santa Fe Public Library). WorldCat record id: 38548190

With the occupation of New Mexico in 1846 by the United States, seven political sub-divisions established by Mexico in 1844 were recognized as counties under the Kearny Code of Laws. Santa Fe was one of these original seven counties. New Mexico remained under a military form of government until September 9, 1850, when an Act of Congress established the Territory of New Mexico. On January 9, 1852, the boundaries of the counties were fixed by an Act of the Territorial Legislative Assembly. Santa Fe County, New Mexico was placed in the 1st Judicial District of the United States Territorial Courts in New Mexico in 1846. Upon statehood in 1912, the Territorial Courts became the New Mexico District Courts.

From the guide to the Records of the United States Territorial and New Mexico District Courts for Santa Fe County, 1846-1951, bulk 1846-1920, (New Mexico State Records Center and Archives)

Naturalization is the process through which immigrants attain U.S. citizenship. Although the federal government establishes the procedures for naturalization, the naturalization process occurs in both federal and non-federal courts. At various times the federal government has granted jurisdiction over naturalization to state supreme, circuit, district, common pleas, chancery, probate, superior, and equity courts.

In New Mexico, the vast majority of naturalizations took place in district courts. The naturalization process typically involved four steps: 1. Declaration of Intention, 2. Petition for Naturalization, 3. Order of Court Granting Citizenship, 4. Certificate of Naturalization.

From the guide to the Naturalization Records by New Mexico Courts, 1852-1960, (New Mexico State Records Center and Archives)