Indigenous communities—especially the Caxcan—rose against Spanish rule in western-central New Spain (Nueva Galicia), with fighting centered around strongholds such as the Cerro del Mixtón (in present-day Zacatecas/Jalisco region).
Conquistador Pedro de Alvarado was fatally injured while campaigning against Mixtón War forces near Nochistlán; his death became a notable turning point early in the conflict.
Viceroy Antonio de Mendoza personally led a large expedition with Spanish troops and Indigenous allies to suppress the Mixtón War rebellion across Nueva Galicia.
Spanish and allied forces captured the Cerro del Mixtón stronghold, helping end the most intense phase of the Mixtón War and reinforcing Spanish control in Nueva Galicia.
A prolonged conflict between Spanish forces (and their allies) and diverse “Chichimeca” groups intensified along the mining and transport corridor of northern New Spain, especially around routes to Zacatecas and adjacent frontier zones.
By about 1590, Spanish authorities increasingly relied on negotiated settlements and material inducements (often summarized as “peace by purchase”) to reduce hostilities and stabilize key roads and mining regions.
Spanish authorities organized the relocation of roughly 400 Tlaxcalan families to frontier settlements, aiming to consolidate peace and promote sedentary life in regions affected by the Chichimeca War.
Spanish forces carried out a punitive attack at Acoma Pueblo (in the New Mexico province of New Spain), killing many Acoma people and imposing severe punishments on survivors—an episode that later figured in wider patterns of revolt and repression on the northern frontier.
The Acaxee launched an armed rebellion in Nueva Vizcaya region, attacking Spanish interests and disrupting mining operations; Spanish forces and Indigenous allies eventually suppressed the revolt, with executions and disease contributing to heavy losses.
A major uprising by Tepehuán communities spread through mission districts and Spanish settlements in Nueva Vizcaya; the conflict continued for several years before Spanish forces reasserted control.
Tarahumara resistance in the Sierra Madre region intensified in the early 1650s under the leadership associated with Gabriel Tepóraca, reflecting sustained conflict around labor, land pressures, and colonial intrusion in northern New Spain.
A coordinated Pueblo uprising led by Popé drove Spanish colonists from the province of Santa Fe de Nuevo México; Spanish rule was interrupted for roughly 12 years.
Governor Diego de Vargas led the Spanish return to Santa Fe, initiating the reconquest of New Mexico after the Pueblo Revolt and reestablishing colonial authority through a mix of military pressure and negotiated submissions.
Indigenous rebellions across New Spain: Mixtón, Chichimeca, and northern uprisings (1540–1700)
