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Episode 96 · February–August 1861 · Texas and southern New Mexico Territory, from San Antonio to Fort Bliss, Mesilla, and Fort Fillmore

SIBLEY'S NEW MEXICO CAMPAIGN (Part the First)

Texas authorities took control of U.S. Army posts and property after David Twiggs surrendered the Department of Texas. John R. Baylor then marched west with the 2nd Texas Mounted Rifles, occupied Mesilla, and forced Major Isaac Lynde to evacuate Fort Fillmore. Baylor captured more than 500 U.S. soldiers near San Augustine Springs on July 27, 1861, and proclaimed a Confederate Territory of Arizona south of the 34th parallel on August 1
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Episode at a glance

Period coveredFebruary–August 1861
LocationTexas and southern New Mexico Territory, from San Antonio to Fort Bliss, Mesilla, and Fort Fillmore
Historical contextTexas authorities took control of U.S. Army posts and property after David Twiggs surrendered the Department of Texas. John R. Baylor then marched west with the 2nd Texas Mounted Rifles, occupied Mesilla, and forced Major Isaac Lynde to evacuate Fort Fillmore. Baylor captured more than 500 U.S. soldiers near San Augustine Springs on July 27, 1861, and proclaimed a Confederate Territory of Arizona south of the 34th parallel on August 1

Forces and losses

Reported figures retain the scope and estimates of the existing guide. They may cover different units or periods; missing breakdowns are not inferred.

Figures reported in this guide
ScopeReported figure
Forces stated in episodeFewer than 300 Texans captured more than 500 U.S. troops

Source: Civil War Podcast episode 96 · National Park Service: The Civil War on El Camino Real · National Park Service: Mesilla historic-site documentation · National Park Service: 7th U.S. Infantry service record · National Park Service: Glorieta Pass campaign overview · Library of Congress: 1857 map of Texas and New Mexico · Library of Congress: David E. Twiggs portrait · Library of Congress: Kit Carson portrait

Step by step

Episode flow

Follow the discussion in order. Reference maps show the setting; they do not plot positions for each step.

The campaign area todayMap credit ↗

Step 1 of 19

The New Mexico campaign extended the war far west

The 1861–62 Confederate invasion of New Mexico was the westernmost major campaign of the Civil War and included two major battles and several smaller engagements.

Maps

The campaign area todayThis episode moves from San Antonio across West Texas to El Paso, Mesilla, and Fort Fillmore in the Rio Grande valley. The later campaign continued north toward Santa Fe.Map source Interactive map: drag to pan and use the +/− controls to zoom.
1857 U.S. Army map of Texas and part of New Mexico showing roads, rivers, towns, and military posts
Texas and New Mexico before the campaignAn 1857 U.S. Army map showing settlements, rivers, routes, and military posts across Texas, New Mexico Territory, and northern Mexico.Open full-size map Map source

People and command

United States

Department of TexasDavid E. TwiggsSurrendered the department’s posts and property to Texas authorities
Fort Fillmore garrisonIsaac LyndeAbout 700 regulars before detachments; evacuated and surrendered the column
Department of New MexicoEdward R. S. CanbyOrganized the defense of the territory after the loss of Fort Fillmore

Confederacy

Department of TexasEarl Van DornOrdered Baylor to secure West Texas and authorized action against Fort Fillmore
2nd Texas Mounted RiflesRip FordRegimental commander; guarded the lower Rio Grande with part of the regiment
Battalion, 2nd Texas Mounted RiflesJohn R. BaylorOccupied Mesilla, captured Lynde’s force, and proclaimed Confederate Arizona
Army of New Mexico being organizedHenry H. SibleyRaised a larger Texas brigade for the next phase of the invasion

Other people

  • JR
    Confederacy

    John R. Baylor

    Led the first Confederate invasion of New Mexico, captured the Fort Fillmore garrison, and proclaimed Confederate Arizona

  • IL
    United States

    Isaac Lynde

    Commanded Fort Fillmore and surrendered more than 500 U.S. soldiers after the desert retreat

  • Portrait of David E. Twiggs
    Confederacy

    David E. Twiggs

    Surrendered the U.S. Army’s Department of Texas to state authorities

  • HH
    Confederacy

    Henry H. Sibley

    Proposed the New Mexico invasion and organized the larger force that would follow Baylor

  • Portrait of Christopher “Kit” Carson
    United States

    Christopher “Kit” Carson

    Joined the 1st New Mexico Volunteer Infantry as lieutenant colonel

  • SH
    United States

    Sam Houston

    Opposed Texas secession and was removed as governor after refusing a Confederate loyalty oath

  • BM
    Confederacy

    Ben McCulloch

    Led armed Texans into San Antonio while commissioners demanded the federal surrender

Historical images

David E. Twiggs commanded the U.S. Army’s Department of Texas and surrendered its posts and property in February 1861. · Image source and credits

Portrait of David E. Twiggs

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Portrait of David E. Twiggs
Kit Carson became lieutenant colonel of the 1st New Mexico Volunteer Infantry and later fought in the campaign. · Image source and credits

Portrait of Christopher Kit Carson

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Portrait of Christopher Kit Carson
Sources and image credits