Marc Simmons

With New Mexico’s state capital now commemorating its fourth century founding, in 1610, it seems appropriate to recall another such event by way of example.

In 1940, the Coronado Cuarto Centennial observance marked the 400th anniversary of Francisco Vásquez de Coronado’s expedition to the Southwest, 1540-’42. His venture represented the first large-scale attempt by Europeans to explore the interior of the future United States.

The idea for a major commemoration was born on the University of New Mexico campus. UNM President James F. Zimmerman proposed an elaborate statewide celebration that would awaken New Mexicans to the priceless heritage of the state’s thunderous history. He emphasized the cultural value and significant economic benefits. In 1935, UNM made its case before the Legislature, which then created a state commission to handle planning and fundraising for the Coronado program.

Zimmerman was put in charge and joined by New Mexico authors Erna Fergusson, Gilberto Espinosa and Ruth Laughlin Alexander. Another appointee, Concha Ortiz y Pino de Kleven, was the last surviving member until her recent death.

News of the commemoration soon reached Arizona, Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas, other states through which Coronado had passed, and each quickly set up their own commissions. Not to be outdone, the U.S. Congress passed a law establishing a national Coronado Exposition Commission and appropriated $200,000 for federal participation.

With all this political muscle, the Cuatro Centennial was destined for success. As the cradle of the enterprise, New Mexico remained the center of activity from which other states took cues.

The celebration opened on May 1, 1940, at the Coronado Monument north of Bernalillo, which was believed to the site where the expedition spent the severe winter of 1540-’41. A host of local and out-of-state dignitaries were on hand.

A museum was dedicated at the monument, Pueblo artists unveiled copies of their original murals and the Inter-Pueblo Council conducted a ceremony.

In the following months, a full anniversary program developed. Schools, churches, museums, businesses, Indian tribes and entire communities joined in the spirit of remembering this early chapter of New Mexican history.

Albuquerque’s Erna Fergusson wrote admiringly of the state pulling together in a “an event truly typical of New Mexico.” It was the longest, grandest exposition ever seen on the upper Rio Grande.

Given the nature of modern times and the politicizing of our history, we may never see its likes again.

January 2010 / 01-2010