The presidio was as essential an element of Spanish civilization in the Mexican North and the American Southwest as the communities it was established to protect-missions, settlements, mines, and ranches. A fortified outpost in hostile Indian country, it not only assured Spanish occupation and retention of that vast region but also participated in its development.

Includes maps of: The Presidios of Northern New Spain, 1570-1600; The Presidios of Northern New Spain, 1600-1700; The Northern Provinces of New Spain, 1700; The Presidios of Northern New Spain, 1700-1771; The Presidios of Northern New Spain, 1772-1800.

Part I: Historical Evolution: Origin and Early Development, 1570-1700--Teh Reglamento of 1729--The Reglamneto of 1772--Teodoro de Croix and the Commandancy General, 1776-83--The Instruction of 1786 and the Final PHase, 1783-1810--Part II: Descriptive Analysis: The Fort--The Presidial Company--The Payroll--The Civilian Settlement--The Indian Reservation--Conclusions--Sources Consulted--Index