New Mexico Territory's At-large Congressional District - Pre-territorial Delegate

Pre-territorial Delegate

While the general boundaries of the territory were established following the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848, Congress did not formally organize the territory right away. Despite the uncertain status of the region, political leaders met in September 1849, and elected Hugh N. Smith as its Congressional delegate. Smith presented his credentials to Congress on February 4, 1850, but the House refused to seat him, ruling that no territorial government existed and no authority to elect a delegate had been granted.