Sunday, September 15, 2013

General Stephen Watts Kearny Liberates Santa Fe

The U.S. 3c Brown violet stamp on this first day of issue (16.10.1946) cover commemorates the 100th anniversary of Stephen Watts Kearny entry into Santa Fe. The stamp pictures the raising of the American flag above the governor’s palace in Santa Fe, New Mexico, in 1846. Thank you Merja for this historic cover.

General Stephen Watts Kearny Liberated Santa Fe. On August 18, 1846, General Stephen W. Kearny (1794-1848) used diplomatic finesse, rather than military might, to persuade more powerful Mexican forces to withdraw from Santa Fe during the Mexican War (1846-1848). General Kearny was able to take the city without firing a shot. After taking control of Santa Fe, Kearny established a civil government and promised a democratic administration of the area. These actions secured popular support for the U.S. government and its troops. The general went on to play a key role in the U.S. victory in the Mexican War.

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