What major event occurred in 1620 related to New Mexico's mission history?

The establishment of the San Gabriel Mission in 1620 marks a significant event in the history of New Mexico's mission efforts. This mission was one of the first Spanish colonial missions in the region and aimed to convert Native Americans to Christianity while also serving the overarching goals of Spanish colonization. The foundation of San Gabriel was part of a broader mission system implemented by the Spanish as they expanded their territorial claims into North America.

The choice is particularly important as it represents the beginning of a long period of missionary activity that would have profound effects on the cultural and social landscape of New Mexico. This mission laid the groundwork for subsequent missions and the spread of Catholicism throughout the area, which influenced not only religious practices but also the integration of different cultural elements in New Mexico’s history.

In contrast, other events listed in the choices do not relate to 1620 or involve mission history in New Mexico. For example, the founding of Santa Fe occurred later, in 1610, making it unrelated to the specific year mentioned. The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed in 1848, crucially impacting land and governance but not part of the early mission era. Lastly, the arrival of Christopher Columbus happened in 1492, which is well before the time tied to