WI: No New Mexico

In 1606 the Viceroy of New Spain ordered the newly founded colony of New Mexico to be abandoned, since it was clearly an economic loss for the government and just brought brutality to the natives. Unfortunately, the Franciscans intervened on the grounds that the locals needed to see Jesus, and the colony survived.

What if New Mexico was abandoned in 1606 (and presumably not settled afterwards)? How differently would the history of North America develop?
 
Spain doesn't need to spend so much money to defend/repopulate/redevelop New Mexico due to constant warfare against indigenous people. On the other hand, New Mexico functioned as a buffer to defend important mining regions in Chihuahua, etc. So as those regions develop, Spain might return to New Mexico at some point in the future after this to get that buffer zone (and get those souls won to Jesus, of course).

If they don't return, then I'd expect to see the Spanish in Sonora and in larger numbers at an earlier date. Maybe more development in Chihuahua as well. They still might go to Tejas, which might as well lead them along the Rio Grande back to New Mexico.

The widespread adoption of horses by the Plains Indians and others is delayed by a few decades--obviously the biggest effects in North America in the 17th/early 18th century is the effect on American Indians. The Apache will remain stronger for longer, and the Comanche won't be able to expand as much.
 
Oh yeah, I also assumed America wasn't butterflied away...

Yeah, what he said on the Apache. That's much more sure than some group of people who may or may not exist later coming.
 
Big one as it butterflies the Pueblo revolt of 1680, which was the first time Indians got large groups of horses, which were in turn stolen by other tribes.

It butterflies the rise of the Navajo, who got their numbers by assimilating refugees from the Spanish reconquest.

So this butterflies Plains Indian culture as we know it. Though I think different Indians would get horses, it might not be groups like say, the Comanche, at least not right away.
 
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Does anyone have a definitive map of the colony?
If the spanish abandon the colony early, then the french could theoretically make a move into the region.
 
Why are Sonora and Chihuahua going to be settled earlier and more thickly in the ATL?

The people who went to New Mexico would go there, and leave more descendents since there wouldn't be as harsh of fighting with the natives. Plus there needs to be a buffer population for the mines of Chihuahua and elsewhere in the north of Mexico.
 
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