Pecos (Steel and Bridle)
Pecos (Spanish: /'pe.kos/) is one of the 46 provinces of the Mejican Empire, located in the Tejas Region of the New North. Pecos is the second least populated province of the Empire, with a population of 1.5 million inhabitants, only ahead of Colima. Its capital is located in the trans-provincial city of El Paso del Norte, whose metropolitan area has a larger population than the entire province of Pecos proper. The region is bordered by New Mejico to the north, Tejas to the northwest, Gálvez to the east, Coahuila to the south, and Chihuahua to the west. Pecos covers an area of 89,378 km2. Within the region, there are movements that advocate the incorporation of the province into Chihuahua.
In pre-Hispanic times, Pecos was inhabited by diverse indigenous cultures, with Apaches and Comanches as nomadic hunters and gatherers on the plains, and Jumanos and Conchos as sedentary indigenous peoples practicing agriculture and trade along the rivers and streams. In the 17th century, the Viceroyalty of New Spain became interested in expanding northward and Pecos became a target for colonization. Under the leadership of Juan de Oñate, an expedition was established in the region as part of the "Province of Texas". As the population increased, more settlements were established along the rivers and valleys, encouraging agriculture and ranching. Over time, the Province of Tejas fragmented and Pecos consolidated as a political and cultural entity of its own. Economic growth, natural resource wealth and cultural exchange between settlers and indigenous peoples contributed to its prosperity in the 18th and 19th centuries.
After independence from New Spain in 1788, the Pecos region remained an integral part of the territory of the newly formed country. Although independence brought political changes, stability in Pecos allowed for steady development of the province. In 1825, the coup d'état of Agustín I of Mejico generated some unrest and concern in the region, being influenced by the administrative center of the province of Nuevo León, to which the young King Gabriel II was exiled. During the conservative rule that followed in the country, Pecos found itself in a more conservative political environment, which influenced local decisions and support for certain policies and political figures. Although there were some tensions between political groups, the province continued to develop and grow economically.
As the 19th century progressed, the cattle industry became a crucial activity for the Pecos economy. Large tracts of fertile land and pastureland provided fertile ground for cattle ranching. Local and foreign ranchers established ranches in the region, and towns such as Santa Elena, located on the banks of the Pecos River, became important centers. The ranches expanded rapidly, attracting settlers in search of economic opportunities. In the second half of the century, during the Three Liberal Decades, the oil industry became important. Although the first drilling attempts were unsuccessful, in 1883, the first oil fields were discovered in the area. The oil rush attracted a flood of investors and workers, resulting in an unprecedented economic boom in the region. The city of El Paso del Norte emerged as a hub of the oil industry in the Pecos.
During the Mejican Civil War, which spanned from 1913 to 1917, the Pecos region was deeply affected by conflict and political instability. Revolutionary groups and rebel factions rose up against the Huertista government, thus allying themselves with Francisco Villa, and subsequently with the Constitutionalists. The presence of armed bands and local leaders with different political agendas generated violence and tensions in the province. In Pecos, some rural communities aligned with the revolutionary movements, while others supported the central government. The province was the scene of military confrontations, looting and reprisals, which led to a difficult situation for the inhabitants. The regional economy suffered significant damage due to the interruption of trade and insecurity on the roads. After the conclusion of the Civil War, the Cristero War also had repercussions in Pecos. The armed revolt of the Cristeros caused a climate of unrest and discontent in the province. Some communities in Pecos aligned themselves with the Cristeros, while others supported the Callista government in its attempt to suppress the revolt.
The government of Vasconcelos and Abascal promoted economic policies that favored large corporations and landowners, which resulted in a greater concentration of wealth and power in the Pecos, especially in the hands of ranching dynasties, such as those of the O'Rourke, Guerrero, and Worthington families. Although some industries experienced considerable growth during this period, social inequalities increased and rural communities and workers faced economic hardship. During this period, oil exploitation reached an unprecedented boom. Under policies favorable to large corporations, oil companies obtained concessions to exploit newly discovered oilfields.
Pecos' advanced economy was characterized by diversity and prosperity. From its inception, the region experienced steady growth due to its location, rich natural resources and a policy that encouraged investment and economic development. The livestock sector was one of the fundamental pillars of the Pecos economy, with extensive ranches raising cattle to supply both the local and national markets. The oil industry played a significant role in Pecos' economic boom, especially during Vasconcelism, when large investments were made to extract and process oil. Trade also flourished in the province, with land and river routes connecting Pecos with other regions of the country and abroad, allowing for the exchange of goods and products. In addition, agriculture developed in fertile areas, providing a wide variety of crops for domestic consumption and export. Cities such as Santa Elena and El Paso del Norte became economic and cultural centers, attracting investors, traders, and professionals from diverse areas.