Treaty with the Navajo (Canyon de Chelly / Chuska Valley), 1849

What happened

On September 9, 1849, John M. Washington, governor of New Mexico and lieutenant-colonel commanding United States troops there, and Indian agent James S. Calhoun signed a treaty in the "valley of Cheille." The Navajo side was Mariano Martinez, head chief, and Chapitone, second chief. In Article I the Navajo acknowledged that, through the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo with Mexico, their tribe was lawfully placed under the exclusive jurisdiction and protection of the United States, and would forever remain so.

The treaty promised perpetual peace (Article II). It made United States trade and intercourse laws binding on the Navajo and annexed their territory to New Mexico for enforcing those laws (Article III). It required delivery of captives and stolen property by October 9, 1850 (Article V) and gave United States citizens free passage through Navajo territory (Article VII). The United States would establish military posts and trading houses (Article VIII). In Article IX the Navajo agreed that the United States should, at its earliest convenience, designate, settle and adjust their territorial boundaries. The treaty does not cede land.

An NPS-published history says Washington drew within eight or nine miles of Canyon de Chelly to make the treaty, and that "the friendly settlement was marred by the killing of Narbona by Washington's men during an argument over a stolen horse." The booklet adds that raiding resumed before Washington returned to Santa Fe. The treaty was proclaimed on September 24, 1850.

Summarized with AI assistance from 5 sources and checked against their words; not yet reviewed by historians or by the nations. Report an error