This is a collection of essays that include biographical sketches and writings from women of all walks of life who helped bring about the Americanisation of the New Mexico Territory, from the Mexican War until statehood in 1912. These women were wives of missionaries, soldiers and military officers, and government officials who came from the eastern part of the United States. For this edition, Cheryl Foote has provided a new Introduction, which highlights information uncovered since the book's original publication in 1990.