How the Spanish name for this mountain became Archibeque
(with various spellings) is not known. This family name comes from Jean
L'Archeveque who was born in Bayonne, France, and joined the La Salle Expedition
at the age of 13. He played a role in the killing of La Salle and after his rescue
or capture in Texas was taken to Mexico City. Fray Angélico Chávez, in
Origins of New Mexico Families (Univ. of Albuquerque
in collaboration with Calvin Horn Publishing, 1973, n. 3, p. 129), gives a
contemporary source saying that he was condemned to work in the mines. In 1695,
L'Archeveque was recruited in the silver mining town of Zacatecas to immigrate to
New Mexico. This is the same year that Governor Vargas reopened the Cerrillos
silver and lead mines, so there could be a connection. Jean's name was
Hispanicised into Juan de Archibeque and he has numerous descendants in New Mexico.
This website is maintained by the Cerrillos
Hills Park Coalition
and is dedicated to the creation, enhancement and stewardship
of an historical, recreational, and cultural open space in
the
Cerrillos Hills, Santa Fe County, New Mexico, USA
