“A Most Agreeable Reunion of the People”: Fourth of July Celebrations in 1862 New Mexico

Happy Fourth of July! As we celebrate the birthday of our nation, cities and towns across America will honor the occasion with parades, fireworks, speeches by local leaders, and readings of the Declaration of Independence.

As it turns out, that’s not so different from how the Fourth of July was celebrated all the way back in the 1860s. Even in Santa Fe, a small frontier city that had only recently joined the Union, the Fourth of July celebrations in 1862 were quite the spectacle:

In accordance with the announcement which had previously been made, the citizens began to assemble in front of the Palace about ten o’clock, and in short time the assemblage accumulated to a size that had seldom been exceeded at any civic demonstration in the city. Citizens, Military, Masons, Odd Fellows, all joining to swell the crowd and when it was announced by Jon. Jose M. Gallegos that the proceedings of the day would commence by the reading of the Declaration of Independence in Spanish by His Excellency, the Governor, a decided manifestation of satisfaction pervaded the entire assembly.

After the Governor had concluded, the Declaration was read in English by Gen’l. Canby in a clear, forcible and elegant manner. During the reading the General was frequently interrupted by demonstrations of approbation by the audience.^[1]

There was also a parade, a brass band from the cathedral, and, of course, more speeches. Cannon fire stood in for fireworks; the city wouldn’t switch to those until 1866.

Interestingly, at least in the Gazette’s reporting, the 1862 celebration in Santa Fe was much larger and more elaborate than in the surrounding years. The paper didn’t record any commemoration at all in 1861. In 1863, the festivities were somewhat smaller, receiving only a fraction of the coverage, and in 1864, “The Fourth of July in Santa Fe passed off this year without any formal celebration.”^[2]

The outsized celebration in 1862 may have been an outpouring of patriotism in reaction to the recent defeat of Sibley’s invasion of the Territory. Santa Fe had been occupied by Confederates until three months before the festivities. Or it may have just been the result of a newspaper editor needing to fill column inches during a slow news week.

Here’s the full 1862 article:

The cannon’s sound at an early hour yesterday announced the coming of the anniversary of liberty’s natal day. For more than four score years it has been the custom of the American people and the friends of republican institutions throughout the world to celebrate this day in each recurring year, commemorating the wisdom which inspired our fathers in the conception of the Declaration of Independence, and the fearless boldness with which they promulgated it to the nations of the east. Yesterday the good people of Santa Fe observed and honored the national holiday in a manner that showed that the patriotic fire blazes in their bosoms with undiminished ardor, and that their love for the institutions which have blessed our people and made them great and powerful among the nations of the earth, has not wanted with passing time nor decreased by the melancholy events of the past twelve month.

The space in front of the Palace was tastefully ornamented with pine and cedar, that gave a cool and refreshing appearance to the whole street. In the portal was erected the platform upon which the principal exercises of the day took place. The Council Chamber was opened for the reception and convenience of the ladies, a considerable number of whom were present.

In accordance with the announcement which had previously been made, the citizens began to assemble in front of the Palace about ten o’clock, and in short time the assemblage accumulated to a size that had seldom been exceeded at any civic demonstration in the city. Citizens, Military, Masons, Odd Fellows, all joining to swell the crowd and when it was announced by Jon. Jose M. Gallegos that the proceedings of the day would commence by the reading of the Declaration of Independence in Spanish by His Excellency, the Governor, a decided manifestation of satisfaction pervaded the entire assembly.

After the Governor had concluded, the Declaration was read in English by Gen’l. Canby in a clear, forcible and elegant manner. During the reading the General was frequently interrupted by demonstrations of approbation by the audience. 

The reading of the Declaration was followed by the reading of Washington’s farewell address in both languages by the Governor and Gen’l Canby respectively. 

After this a procession was formed in the following order to march to the military plaza: Music, Military, Orators of the day, Department Commander and Staff, civil officers of the Territory and members of the Legislature, Masonic fraternity, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Historical Society, Committee of Arrangements and the citizens in general. When the procession reached the military plaza the national flag was run up the beautiful staff which has recently been erected in the plaza. The length of the pole is one hundred and twenty feet, above the ground, and as the banner ascended, beautifully unfurled by the gentle breeze which prevailed enthusiastic cheers broke forth from the surrounding throng, which made the welkin ring.

An address in English was then delivered by C.P. Clever.

After which Hon. Jose M. Gallegos made one of his characteristically able and eloquent addresses in Spanish.

Throughout the exercises of the day the brass band of the cathedral discoursed elegant and appropriate music. This band is composed principally of youths, who acquitted themselves with credit.

Capt. Nicodemus was the Marshal of the day and Lieuts. Cooley and Boyce his assistants.

Altogether the occasion was a most agreeable reunion of the people, and one, the pleasures of which will be long remembered by those who participated in them.^[3]

[1] “The Fourth,” Santa Fe Gazette, July 5, 1862.

[2] Santa Fe Gazette, July 9, 1864.

[3] “The Fourth,” Santa Fe Gazette, July 5, 1862.