Battle of Valverde (1862)

The Battle of Valverde, fought February 20–21, 1862, near Valverde Ford in New Mexico Territory, resulted in a Confederate victory over Union forces. Confederate Brigadier General Henry Hopkins Sibley’s Army of New Mexico defeated Union Colonel Edward Canby’s troops, who were defending access to the Rio Grande. Despite abandoning the field, the engagement is considered a major Confederate success in the New Mexico Campaign.

Episodes

Background and detail

Background. Confederate Brigadier General Henry Hopkins Sibley planned to invade New Mexico, capture Santa Fe, and march west to conquer California. His force of mounted Texans, which he dubbed the Army of New Mexico, left El Paso in January 1862. Union Colonel Edward Canby commanded the Department of New Mexico. Sibley's forces moved to Valverde Ford to cut Union communications between Fort Craig and Santa Fe, facing Canby's troops who blocked their passage.

Engagement. On February 20–21, 1862, Confederate cavalry from Texas and Arizona militia faced Union forces at Valverde Ford. The Confederates, motivated by desperate need for water, attacked Union troops blocking their access to the Rio Grande. Canby ordered a redeployment of batteries and companies, including Carson’s First New Mexico Regiment, to attack the Confederate left flank.

Outcome. The battle is considered a major Confederate success despite the invading force abandoning the field. Sibley’s Army of New Mexico defeated Canby’s troops. Canby was subsequently promoted to brigadier general on March 31, 1862. The engagement occurred in Union-held New Mexico Territory, near the town of Val Verde.

People involved

Sources

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