Every state has a rich history that defines how it is known today. Using a timeline layout, students will research the history of New Mexico and create a timeline of events. Students must think about what makes an event truly worthy of being included in the timeline and be able to include detail in their timeline.
For an alternative to the timeline layout, have students create a timeline poster to incorporate into a presentation or gallery walk. You can add more than one template to this assignment to give students lots of options and adjust the instructions accordingly.
1598: Juan de Oñate establishes the first permanent Spanish settlement, San Juan de los Caballeros, near present-day Española.
1821: Mexico gains independence from Spain, and New Mexico becomes a Mexican territory. Also in 1821, the Santa Fe Trail opens, establishing a major trade route between Missouri and Santa Fe.
1846: During the Mexican-American War, U.S. forces under General Stephen Kearny capture New Mexico with little resistance. Two years later in 1848, the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ends the Mexican-American War, ceding New Mexico to the United States.
1912: New Mexico is admitted to the Union as the 47th state on January 6th.
1942: The Manhattan Project operates in Los Alamos, developing the atomic bomb. In 1945, the first atomic bomb test, Trinity, was conducted near Alamogordo on July 16.
1947: The Roswell UFO incident occurs, becoming a major event in UFO lore.
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a 4-6 cell timeline of important events in New Mexico’s history.
Student Instructions
Requirements: At least 4 events, correct dates, descriptions, and appropriate illustrations for each event.
Help students brainstorm a list of possible events, then discuss what makes an event historically significant (such as lasting impact, change caused, or relevance to New Mexico's identity). This builds critical thinking and ensures their timelines feature meaningful milestones.
Demonstrate how to use school-approved websites, library books, and local resources to collect accurate information. Show students how to take notes and cross-check facts for trustworthy timelines.
Encourage students to read about each event and then restate the information concisely using their own language. This builds comprehension and helps avoid plagiarism.
Inspire creativity by inviting students to sketch, use digital tools, or cut out magazine images that represent each event. Discuss how visuals can make history memorable and support understanding.
Arrange for students to present their timelines to classmates or participate in a gallery walk. Encourage positive feedback and discussion about different choices and presentation styles to deepen learning.
Key events for a New Mexico history timeline include Juan de Oñate’s 1598 settlement, Mexico’s independence in 1821, the opening of the Santa Fe Trail, the U.S. takeover in 1846, New Mexico’s statehood in 1912, the Manhattan Project in 1942, and the Roswell UFO incident in 1947. These events capture major turning points in the state’s history.
To create an engaging timeline, provide students with templates, encourage them to research and select meaningful events, write clear descriptions, and use images or drawings to illustrate each event. Consider allowing timeline posters or digital formats for variety.
Start with a brief overview of New Mexico’s history, then assign students to create a 4–6 event timeline. Supply templates, guide them to include correct dates and illustrations, and have them present their timelines or display them in a gallery walk.
Choosing events teaches students to evaluate historical significance, practice critical thinking, and understand cause and effect. It helps them connect events and see how history shapes present-day New Mexico.
Teachers can use printable timeline templates, online timeline makers, or poster boards. Many digital platforms offer customizable timeline layouts, making it easy for students in grades 3–6 to add images and descriptions.