Spain abandons New Mexico in 1606

[Ricardolindo]

In 1606, the Viceroy of New Spain ordered the newly founded colony of New Mexico to be abandoned as it was clearly an economic loss and only brought brutality to the Natives. Unfortunately, the Franciscans convinced him to keep the colony.
What if the Spaniards had actually abandoned New Mexico in 1606?
Spain wouldn't have lost all the treasury they spent in New Mexico in order to defend it. On the other hand, New Mexico served as a buffer to protect mines in Chihuahua which means they would be at danger and the Spaniards might return to New Mexico at some point to get the buffer zone.
The Plains Indians would have adopted horses later than in our timeline.

 

[raharris1973]

In 1606, the Viceroy of New Spain ordered the newly founded colony of New Mexico to be abandoned as it was clearly an economic loss and only brought brutality to the Natives. Unfortunately, the Franciscans convinced him to keep the colony.
What if the Spaniards had actually abandoned New Mexico in 1606?
Spain wouldn't have lost all the treasury they spent in New Mexico in order to defend it. On the other hand, New Mexico served as a buffer to protect mines in Chihuahua which means they would be at danger and the Spaniards might return to New Mexico at some point to get the buffer zone.
The Plains Indians would have adopted horses later than in our timeline.

Where did you read the Viceroy wished to close up shop at this time?

Notably this before the the Pueblo revolt of the late 1600s.

With the nearby mines at Chihuahua, it would be very surprising if the Spanish did not re-found Santa Fe by 1705, if not 1655. This is interesting however.

 

[Ricardolindo]

Where did you read the Viceroy wished to close up shop at this time?

Notably this before the the Pueblo revolt of the late 1600s.

With the nearby mines at Chihuahua, it would be very surprising if the Spanish did not re-found Santa Fe by 1705, if not 1655. This is interesting however.

I based myself on this 2017 alternatehistory.com thread https://www.alternatehistory.com/forum/threads/wi-no-new-mexico.423852/.
Searching for it in Google Books, https://www.google.com/search?q=Vic...BEApYQ_AUoBnoECAIQBg&biw=393&bih=736&dpr=2.75, there was, in fact, such a plan but apparently in 1608.