Pablo Montoya


Pablo Montoya was a New Mexican politician who was active both in the 1837 revolt against the Mexican government, and in the Taos Revolt of 1847 against the United States, during the Mexican–American War.

Early life and education

Jose Pablo Montoya was born January 7, 1816, the son of Andres Montoya and Victoria Velarde.

Marriage and family

He married Maria Teresa Esquevel and they had established a family in present-day Taos, New Mexico. He was likely a landowner and rancher.

Career

At some point Montoya was the mayor of Taos. In 1837 he was part of the New Mexican revolt against the Mexican government. In September of that year he led an army of 3000 rebels to within a league and a half of Santa Fe, where he arranged a truce with Gen. Manuel Armijo. He secured his personal immunity by turning over the planners of the rebellion, who were jailed in Santa Fe and later executed by Armijo's forces. Montoya was allowed to return to his home.
In January 1847 Montoya participated in the insurrection against United States rule in New Mexico, begun by those who did not accept the Mexican governor's surrender. Historian David Lavender said that Montoya "style himself as the Santa Anna of the North."
Montoya was captured during the 1847 revolt. After the US had re-established control, a US military court charged him with and convicted him of treason. The judges sentenced him and 14 other men to death for their roles in the revolt. Montoya and the others were hanged in the central plaza of Taos on April 6, 1847.

Cultural references