JUNE 24, 1541

MIXTÓN WAR-TENAMAZTLE & DON DIEGO DEFEAT SPANISH

With the brutality of both conquistador Nuño de Guzmán and the encomenderos (slaveholders), the Caxcanes of Nueva Galicia, Mexico, and other Chichimecs (nomadic and semi-nomadic peoples) revolted. As Spanish attempts in 1540 failed to defeat the rebels at their hilltop stronghold, Mixtón, Tenamaztle emerged as a Caxcan leader. In June 1541, Pedro de Alvarado, unwilling to wait for reinforcements, attacked Mixtón with 400 Spaniards and additional indigenous allies. He was defeated on June 24^th by 15,000 natives under Tenamaztle and Don Diego, a Zacateco. Alvarado died after his horse fell on him. By late 1541, rebels threatened Guadalajara. However, in November, Viceroy Antonio de Mendoza, a few hundred Spaniards, and 30-60,000 indigenous allies overwhelmed the stronghold of Nochistlán. In 1542, the war ended when the Spanish took Mixtón. Captured rebels were tortured and slaughtered. Others were enslaved. The Caxcanes effectively ceased to remain a distinct people.

Sources:

“Mixtón War,” Encyclopedia.com.  Retrieved 3/16/2023, Mixtón War | Encyclopedia.com

Sketch:  Jaontiveros, 3/13/2009.  Public Domain.