NWI4966677: United States, State of New Mexico: Stephen Kearny seized the territory of New Mexico then into the hands of Mexico, 1846. During the outbreak of the American-Mexican war, Kearny was sent to Santa Fe at the head of a force of 1,700 men, to take control of this territory (which became the state of New Mexico) and to become its military governor on August 18, 1846. Colour engraving of the 19th century. / Bridgeman Images