Jang NM History Reservation Policy

Beginning in the 1850’s, the U.S. government began building forts in Western New Mexico in order to keep an eye on the Semi Nomadic tribes like the Navajo and the Apache

“During the Civil War, the U.S. government had created a new policy that affected the Indians in New Mexico. The policy called for the creation of reservations, which would keep the Indians in a confined space.

They would be unable to continue their attacks. The government promised to protect Indians who agreed to live on reservations.

They would be provided with food and shelter. They would also learn the ideas, language, customs, and religion of Americans. In short, they could assimilate by abandoning their culture and adopting white culture.