A2901

Spanish Settlement of the Southwest

La Mision de San Miguel de San Gabriel, Espan˜ola, NM

Collins Cover Announcement 

400th Anniversary

Founding oi the Spanish Settlement ai San Grtbriel 

and 

establishing the 0ldest European Road in the U.S.

This is a beautifully designed and carefully executed Collins cachet. The detail is wonderful, and the individual hand painting makes it one not to miss adding to your collection.

My cachet features don Juan de Onate, who was the first successful colonizer of the American Southwest. This Spanish conquistador departed from Santa Barbara, Mexico in January of 1598. Three months later, the expedition of some 600 persons, including soldiers, priests. Indians, and families with 83 wagons and 7000 animals, crossed the Rio Grande into the New Mexico Territory. On April 30th, they performed the "La Toma" ceremony, officially colonizing the land for the King of Spain. He also established the "Camino Real" (Royal Road) which became the main artery of communication and commerce between the province of New Mexico and Mexico City. When he left the area, some priests and soldiers remained, thus beginning the European settlement in territory that was destined to become part of the United States.

The cachet also depicts an Indian pueblo, native pottery, a prickly pear cactus, and a horned toad. This composite colorfully illustrates various period components of this Southwest Territory. A stunning Collins hand painted First Day Cover to honor the first Spanish settlement in the United States. Item #A2901. $12.25.