Mascogos, The Black Seminoles of Northern Mexico

Posted February 12, 2023 Robert BittoLeave a commentPosted in Little-Known History

A unique culture in northern Mexico has its roots in Florida’s Afro-Native communities.

The Ancient Republic of Tlaxcala

Posted January 8, 2023January 8, 2023 Robert BittoLeave a commentPosted in Little-Known History

This small political entity defied the Aztecs and was influential in shaping Mexico’s destiny.

Origins of the Comanche-Mexico Wars

Posted December 4, 2022 Robert BittoLeave a commentPosted in Little-Known History

The Comanche wars of the 1800s were devastating for Mexico. What are their origins?

Joaquín Murrieta, Legendary Mexican Bandit

Posted November 6, 2022 Robert BittoLeave a commentPosted in Little-Known History

This controversial historical figure has grown into a larger-than-life legend.

The Martín Cortés Conspiracy

Posted September 11, 2022September 11, 2022 Robert BittoLeave a commentPosted in Little-Known History

Did the son of the famous conquistador plot to overthrow the Spanish king?

First Contact, Mexico Meets Spain, 1519

Posted August 7, 2022 Robert BittoLeave a commentPosted in Little-Known History

The first contact between the Spaniards and Aztecs is often misunderstood.

Luis de Sáric and the Pima Revolt of 1751

Posted July 10, 2022 Robert BittoLeave a commentPosted in Little-Known History

A highly coordinated attack against the Spanish almost drove them out of northern New Spain for good.

Juan Antonio, Indigenous Leader of Mexican California

Posted May 29, 2022 Robert BittoLeave a commentPosted in Little-Known History

This overlooked indigenous leader played an important role in Mexican California.

Pedro Lascuráin, Mexican President for 45 Minutes

Posted May 8, 2022May 8, 2022 Robert BittoLeave a commentPosted in Little-Known History

He served for only 45 minutes as Mexico’s president, but his legacy was long-lasting.

Chipilo: The Forgotten Italian Colony in Mexico

Posted April 17, 2022 Robert BittoLeave a commentPosted in Little-Known History

Founded by Italians in 1882 Chipilo has maintained its cultural identity into the 21st Century.

Mexican Kickapoo, A Forgotten Tribe

Posted March 13, 2022March 13, 2022 Robert BittoLeave a commentPosted in Little-Known History

An isolated, little-known band of Kickapoo Indians has survived and thrived in Mexico.

British Baja: The Mexican Land and Colonization Company

Posted February 20, 2022February 20, 2022 Robert BittoLeave a commentPosted in Little-Known History

Baja California almost became part of the British Empire in 1890.

Apache Wars with Mexico

Posted January 16, 2022 Robert BittoLeave a commentPosted in Little-Known History

For centuries the Apache beat back colonization.

The Maya World Between Collapse and Conquest

Posted January 9, 2022 Robert BittoLeave a commentPosted in Little-Known History

After the Classic Maya Collapse, what happened in the Yucatán?

Nezahualcoyotl, Poet-King of Texcoco

Posted November 28, 2021November 28, 2021 Robert BittoLeave a commentPosted in Little-Known History

The story of one of the most extraordinary rulers of ancient Mexico.

Teresa Urrea: Mystic, Healer, Revolutionary

Posted September 12, 2021 Robert BittoLeave a commentPosted in Little-Known History

A young girl with special powers transformed the culture and politics of northern Mexico.

California’s First Black Governor, Pío Pico, 1832

Posted August 8, 2021August 8, 2021 Robert BittoLeave a commentPosted in Little-Known History

Few know that California has already had a Black governor, but under Mexican rule.

Huamalgüeños, The Fog People of Cedros Island

Posted May 23, 2021May 31, 2021 Robert BittoLeave a commentPosted in Little-Known History

The natives of a Mexican Pacific island abandoned their paradise to integrate into Spanish mission system.

Mountain Yaqui, Indigenous Resistance into the 20th Century

Posted May 9, 2021 Robert BittoLeave a commentPosted in Little-Known History

For nearly 400 years, the Mountain Yaqui resisted outside domination

Casta: Race in Colonial Mexico

Posted April 11, 2021 Robert BittoLeave a commentPosted in Little-Known History

Racial classifications in colonial Mexico were confusing and borderline comical.

San Patricios – The Saint Patrick’s Battalion

Posted March 14, 2021 Robert BittoLeave a commentPosted in Little-Known History

A little-known battalion of Irish soldiers played an important role in the Mexican War.

Pánuco, Forgotten Spanish Colony in Mexico

Posted December 28, 2020 Robert Bitto1 CommentPosted in Little-Known History

Once a prosperous region, the colony of Pánuco burned out in a few short decades.

Geronimo in Mexico

Posted November 23, 2020 Robert BittoLeave a commentPosted in Little-Known History

Legendary Apache leader Geronimo spent much time in Mexico & had deep feelings about its country and people.

The Comanche Wars, 1821-1870

Posted October 11, 2020 Robert BittoLeave a commentPosted in Little-Known History

For decades, Comanche raiding parties terrorized the northern reaches of a young Mexico.

Montezuma the Great

Posted July 13, 2020 Robert BittoLeave a commentPosted in Little-Known History

An overview of one of the most important figures in Mexican history.

Juan O’Donojú, The Last Viceroy

Posted June 15, 2020 Robert BittoLeave a commentPosted in Little-Known History

The last Viceroy of New Spain left an interesting legacy. This is his story.

Islas Marías, The Mexican Alcatraz

Posted April 27, 2020April 27, 2020 Robert BittoLeave a commentPosted in Little-Known History

The story of the last island penal colony in the Americas, Las Islas Marias.

Sor Juana, A Magnificent Life

Posted April 5, 2020 Robert BittoLeave a commentPosted in Little-Known History

Little known outside Mexico, this 17th Century intellectual was a driving cultural force of her time.

Carmelita Torres and the 1917 Bath Riots

Posted March 16, 2020 Robert BittoLeave a commentPosted in Little-Known History

Fear of a pandemic led to drastic measures at the border. A Mexican maid said, “No.”

The Unpriestly Life of Father Servando Teresa de Mier

Posted February 16, 2020February 17, 2020 Robert BittoLeave a commentPosted in Little-Known History

A rebel priest who escaped prison 7 times, he played an important role in creating the nation of Mexico.