Pueblo Rebellion - Definition and Overview

The Pueblo Revolt of 1680, also known as "Pope's Rebellion," was an uprising of the Native American Pueblos against the Spanish who were expelled from the territory. Twelve years later, in 1692, the Spanish reconquered New Mexico, and the Pueblos did not offer significant resistance, but the lesson had been learned: the Spanish were less arrogant and presumptuous toward the natives.

The revolt was masterminded by a man named Pop&eacute (or Po'Pay) who was born at San Juan Pueblo and lived at Taos Pueblo. It began on San Lorenzo Day, August 10, earlier than had been originally planned, as word had leaked out. A few pueblos did not participate, notably the Piro people in the Socorro area, who went with the Spanish in their withdrawal to El Paso.