NM Territory Quiz

What was the purpose of Cooke’s Wagon Road in 1846?

• To transport silver from NM to Mexico

• To connect railroads across the territory

• To help the Mormon Battalion reach California

• To stop land grabs in NM

Answer explanation

Cooke’s Wagon Road was established in 1846 primarily to assist the Mormon Battalion in their journey to California, facilitating their movement during the westward expansion.

The Butterfield Overland Trail was important because it:

• Led settlers to Oregon

• Carried gold from California

• Provided a communication route from St. Louis to San Francisco

• Was used for military training

Answer explanation

The Butterfield Overland Trail was crucial as it provided a communication route from St. Louis to San Francisco, facilitating faster communication and transport across the country, unlike the other options listed.

Travel by stagecoach in the 1800s was:

• Fast and smooth

• Safe and luxurious

• Cramped and dangerous

• Only for soldiers

Answer explanation

Travel by stagecoach in the 1800s was cramped due to limited space and dangerous because of rough terrain, potential robberies, and lack of safety measures, making it a challenging experience.

Who were the Jewish Conversos in 1840s NM?

• Catholic missionaries

• Converts from Islam

• Descendants of Spanish Jews who faced persecution

• German immigrants

Answer explanation

The Jewish Conversos in 1840s New Mexico were descendants of Spanish Jews who converted to Christianity to escape persecution during the Spanish Inquisition, maintaining some Jewish practices in secret.

Bishop Lamy and Antonio José Martínez disagreed because:

• They had a political rivalry

• Lamy wanted to modernize the Church, while Martínez defended local customs

• Martínez supported Protestant ideas

• Lamy wanted to close all churches

Answer explanation

Bishop Lamy aimed to modernize the Church, promoting reforms, while Antonio José Martínez prioritized preserving local customs and traditions, leading to their disagreement.

Los Hermanos Penitentes are best known for:

• Farming and ranching

• Leading rebellions

• Religious ceremonies involving self-punishment

• Mining gold and silver

Answer explanation

Los Hermanos Penitentes are primarily known for their religious practices, which include self-punishment as a form of penance. This distinguishes them from other groups involved in farming, rebellions, or mining.

In the 1800s, NM’s main economic activity was:

• Fishing

• Sheep and cattle ranching

• Oil drilling

• Cotton farming

Answer explanation

In the 1800s, New Mexico's economy was primarily driven by sheep and cattle ranching, which was essential for trade and sustenance, unlike fishing, oil drilling, or cotton farming, which were less significant at that time.

A homesteader was someone who:

• Built hotels for travelers

• Worked as a stagecoach driver

• Claimed and improved land under the Homestead Act

• Ran for local office

Answer explanation

A homesteader was someone who claimed and improved land under the Homestead Act, which encouraged settlement in the West by granting land to individuals who would farm it.

Railroads helped the mining industry by:

• Destroying mining towns

• Keeping workers in one place

• Moving minerals and connecting areas to markets

• Banning the use of coal

Answer explanation

Railroads significantly aided the mining industry by efficiently transporting minerals to markets, facilitating trade and economic growth, rather than destroying towns or banning coal.

Turquoise, copper, and coal were:

• Farm crops in NM

• Imported goods

• Key minerals mined in New Mexico

• Rarely used by settlers

Answer explanation

Turquoise, copper, and coal are significant resources that were actively mined in New Mexico, making 'Key minerals mined in New Mexico' the correct choice. They played an important role in the state's economy.