In the late 1800s, northern New Mexico was a land in transition. The arrival of railroads and Anglo-American settlers brought new opportunities, but also deep conflict over land, culture, and survival. Out of this struggle arose Las Gorras Blancas—“The White Caps”—a group of local men who fought to defend their communities.
Nuestra Plataforma
Not wishing to be misunderstood, we hereby make this our declaration.
Our purpose is to protect the rights and interests of the people in general; especially those of the helpless classes.
We want the Las Vegas Grant settled to the benefit of all concerned, and this we hold is the entire community within the grant.
We want no “land grabbers” or obstructionists of any sort to interfere. We will watch them.
We are not down on lawyers as a class, but the usual knavery and unfair treatment of the people must be stopped.
Our judiciary hereafter must understand that we will sustain it only when “Justice” is its watchword.
The practice of “double-dealing” must cease.
There is a wide difference between New Mexico’s “law” and “justice.” And justice is God’s law, and that we must have at all hazards.
We are down on race issues, and will watch race agitators. We are all human brethren, under the same glorious flag.
We favor irrigation enterprises, but will fight any scheme that tends to monopolize the supply of water courses to the detriment of residents living on lands watered by the same streams.
We favor all enterprises, but object to corrupt methods to further the same.
We do not care how much you get so long as you do it fairly and honestly.
The People are suffering from the effects of partisan “bossism” and these bosses had better quietly hold their peace. The people have been persecuted and hacked about in every which way to satisfy their caprice. If they persist in their usual methods retribution will be their reward.
We are watching “political informers.”
We have no grudge against any person in particular, but we are the enemies of bulldozers and tyrants.
We must have a free ballot and a fair count. and the will of the majority shall be respected.
Intimidation and the “indictment” plan have no further fears for us. If the old system should continue, death would be a relief to our sufferings. And for our rights our lives are the least we can pledge.
If the fact that we are law abiding citizens is questioned, come out to our homes and see the hunger and desolation we are suffering; and “this” is the result of the deceitful and corrupt methods of “bossism.”
Be fair and just and we are with you, do otherwise and take the consequences.
The White Caps, 1,500 Strong and Growing Daily
Las Vegas Daily Optic, March 12, 1980
Wearing white cloth caps to conceal their identities, Las Gorras Blancas organized in San Miguel County near Las Vegas around 1889. They opposed wealthy land speculators, railroad companies, and ranchers who fenced off traditional Hispano land grants—lands that local families had used for generations to farm, graze animals, and gather wood.
To resist this loss, the White Caps took direct action. At night, they cut fences, burned barns and haystacks, and sabotaged railroads that threatened their way of life. They posted proclamations declaring their cause, insisting they were not criminals but defenders of the poor and dispossessed.
Their fight was about more than land. It was about justice, survival, and dignity for the working families of northern New Mexico. Some members even moved into politics, joining the People’s Party to continue their struggle through the ballot box.
Today, Las Gorras Blancas are remembered as early land rights activists, a symbol of resistance against dispossession and colonization. Their legacy lives on in the history of Las Vegas and the wider story of New Mexico’s fight to preserve community and culture.
