Battle of Glorieta Pass, New Mexico
The American Civil War, a conflict that ripped the nation asunder, saw battles fought not only in the well-trodden fields of the East but also across the vast, often unforgiving landscapes of the West. One such engagement, the Battle of Glorieta Pass, New Mexico, played a pivotal role in shaping the future of the Southwest and ultimately hindering Confederate ambitions in the region. This clash, though smaller in scale compared to the battles of Gettysburg or Antietam, held immense strategic importance, earning it the moniker "the Gettysburg of the West."
In 1861, the Confederate States of America harbored ambitious designs on the western territories. Their strategic vision involved a multi-pronged approach, beginning with raising a substantial force in Texas. This army, envisioned to comprise the Fourth, Fifth, and Seventh Texas Volunteer Cavalry, was tasked with marching north along the Rio Grande, seizing key settlements and resources. Santa Fe, the capital of New Mexico Territory, was a primary objective, followed by a northeastward turn towards Fort Union, a vital supply depot along the Santa Fe Trail. The ultimate goals were to capture the gold-rich territories of Colorado and then push westward to secure California, thus expanding the Confederacy’s economic and territorial reach.
The Southwest held significant appeal to the Confederacy for several reasons. New Mexico, Utah, and Colorado were considered fertile ground for recruitment, with pockets of Confederate sympathizers scattered throughout the territories. Southern New Mexico had already demonstrated its secessionist leanings, effectively breaking away from the government in Santa Fe and forming a separate territory aligned with the Confederacy. The region was also believed to possess substantial war materials, including thousands of rifles and a considerable number of cannons. Furthermore, the capture of these territories would grant the Confederacy access to the rich mines of Colorado, fueling their war effort and bolstering their economy. The prospect of expanding slavery into the fertile lands of California and using Arizona as a springboard for potential incursions into Mexico further fueled Confederate desires. Perhaps most enticing was the potential access to California’s extensive coastline, offering vital, blockade-free ports for trade with European powers, which could lead to recognition and much-needed economic support.
Confederate President Jefferson Davis entrusted Brigadier General Henry Hopkins Sibley with the responsibility of raising the necessary troops. By the late fall of 1861, Sibley had assembled approximately 3,500 men, poised to invade New Mexico Territory. The invasion commenced in February 1862, with Sibley’s forces pushing northward. The Confederate strategy aimed to secure the American Southwest, exploit the gold fields of Colorado, and ultimately gain control of California’s ports. This ambitious campaign represented one of the most significant Confederate endeavors in the Trans-Mississippi Theater, with the potential to open a new front in the war and reshape the balance of power in the West.
Following a Confederate victory at the Battle of Valverde in February 1862, Sibley’s forces advanced towards Santa Fe, continuing their northward march. This brings us to the crucial engagement at Battle of Glorieta Pass, New Mexico.
The stage for the Battle of Glorieta Pass, New Mexico was set on March 26, 1862, at Apache Pass, roughly ten miles southeast of Santa Fe. This strategic location, nestled at the southern end of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains along the Santa Fe Trail, served as a natural chokepoint. Union troops, under the command of Major John M. Chivington, encountered a Confederate force of 200-300 Texans led by Major Charles L. Pyron, who were encamped at Johnson’s Ranch, situated at one end of the pass. Chivington, leading a force of over 400 soldiers, launched an attack on the morning of the 26th, successfully capturing some Confederate advance troops before encountering the main Confederate force. Despite facing artillery fire that initially forced him to retreat, Chivington regrouped and cleverly split his force, positioning them on either side of the pass. This maneuver allowed the Union troops to unleash a devastating crossfire upon the Confederates, compelling them to withdraw.
Pyron and his men retreated approximately one mile to a narrower section of the pass, establishing a defensive line. However, Chivington’s troops once again outflanked them, inflicting heavy casualties. As the Confederates retreated for a second time, the Union cavalry charged, capturing the Confederate rearguard. Following this successful engagement, Chivington withdrew and established camp at Kozlowski’s Ranch. The following day was marked by a lull in fighting, as both sides received reinforcements. Confederate Lieutenant Colonel William R. Scurry arrived with additional troops, swelling the Rebel ranks to around 1,100, while Union Colonel John P. Slough arrived with approximately 900 men.
On March 28, both Slough and Scurry decided to launch attacks early in the morning. As Scurry advanced through the canyon, he encountered the approaching Union forces and established a battle line, deploying his dismounted cavalry. Slough’s attack commenced before 11:00 am, triggering a fierce and protracted battle. The Confederates initially held their ground, engaging in a series of attacks and counterattacks throughout the afternoon. As the day wore on, Slough eventually withdrew his forces to Pigeon’s Ranch and subsequently to Kozlowski’s Ranch, effectively ending the day’s fighting.
Scurry, believing he had secured a victory, also withdrew from the field. However, unbeknownst to him, Chivington’s men had executed a daring raid on Johnson’s Ranch, destroying Scurry’s entire supply train and crippling his ability to sustain his campaign. This strategic blow forced Scurry to retreat to Santa Fe, marking the beginning of a long and arduous journey back to San Antonio, Texas. The Battle of Glorieta Pass, New Mexico proved to be the turning point of the war in New Mexico Territory. The battle resulted in a total of 331 casualties, with 142 Union soldiers and 189 Confederate soldiers killed or wounded.
Following the engagement at Glorieta Pass, the Confederates retreated southward to Albuquerque, where they encountered Union Brigadier General Edward Canby, who had recently been promoted. Canby was positioned outside the town with a force of approximately 1,200 men. Facing the prospect of defeat and starvation, Sibley and his remaining troops began their retreat towards Texas. They were pursued by Canby’s forces as far as Fort Craig, but ultimately managed to evade the Federals by taking a circuitous route. After enduring immense hardship, including severe thirst and starvation, approximately 1,700 Confederate survivors eventually reached safety in El Paso, Texas, on May 4.
By July 1862, all Confederate troops had evacuated New Mexico Territory. For the remainder of the Civil War, New Mexico remained firmly under Union control. The Battle of Glorieta Pass, New Mexico had effectively thwarted Confederate ambitions in the Southwest, preventing them from gaining control of the region’s resources and potentially altering the course of the war.