Pueblo Revolt

The Pueblo Revolt of 1680, also known as "Popé's Rebellion," was an uprising of the Native American Pueblos against the Spanish who were expelled from the territory. Over four hundred Spanish settlers were massacred including Franciscan friars, women and children. Twelve years later, in 1692, the Spanish reconquered New Mexico, and the Pueblos did not offer significant resistance. A lieutenant of Pope welcomed DeVargas back. The lesson had been learned: the Pueblos without the Spanish fought with each other stealing their livestock and grain.

The revolt was masterminded by a shaman priest named Popé (or Po'Pay) who was born at San Juan Pueblo and lived at Taos Pueblo. It began on San Lorenzo Day, August 10, earlier than had been originally planned, as word had leaked out by loyal Tewas from Pecos and other pueblos . A few pueblos did not participate, notably the Piro people in the Socorro area, who went with the Spanish in their withdrawal to El Paso.