Hispanic Americans in Congress, 1822-1995

TRINIDAD ROMERO

[Citizens' Commission for Historic Preservation, Las Vegas, New Mexico #2046, 1994]

Delegate
Republican of the Territory of New Mexico

Forty-fifth Congress
March 4, 1877 - March 3, 1879

Trinidad Romero was a member of one of the oldest and most prominent Hispanic families of New Mexico. He was born in Santa Fe County on June 14, 1835 to Miguel Romero and Josefa Delgado. His grandfather José Romero was one of the earliest settlers in New Mexico, having been an officer of the Spanish Army assigned to Santa Fe. Trinidad's father, Miguel Romero, born in New Mexico in 1782, was active in the public affairs of the state, and received an appointment as alcalde (mayor) from General Kearny before he left for California.

Trinidad Romero was educated by private tutors. In 1851 he began a merchandising and freight operation that drove teams of oxen on the Santa Fe Trail between St. Louis and Independence, Missouri to Las Vegas and Santa Fe, New Mexico. In 1878 with the advent of the railroad, Romero, his brother and their father started the Romero Mercantile Company in West Las Vegas. Among his other business interests were sheep and cattle holdings, and a pharmacy.

While he continued his business, he also entered the political arena. He was one of the leaders of the Republican Party in San Miguel County. In 1863 he became a member of the Territorial House of Representatives, and was appointed probate judge in San Miguel County, New Mexico in 1869 and 1870. In 1876 he was elected as a Delegate to the U.S. Congress, but was not a candidate for renomination in 1878.

President Harrison appointed him United States Marshall and he held that position from November 13, 1889 to May 30, 1893. After his service he continued with his mercantile pursuits and stock raising. He died in Las Vegas, San Miguel County, New Mexico on August 28, 1918.

• Next
• Table of Contents
• Library of Congress Home Page