Lot
1158 
"Socorro, N.Mex Aug 4", manuscript postmark (Type 1, Rarity 9) on legal-size cover endorsed "Official Business" at top right to Hon. John W. Denver, Member of Congress, Washington D.C., this cover originally contained a Fort Craig Aug. 2nd 1856 datelined letter that no longer accompanies; some edge wear and small tears, Fine and scarce, the Earliest Recorded Use from Socorro. Estimate $300 - 400.
Socorro was an Indian pueblo originally. The inhabitants went south during the 1680 Pueblo Rebellion. By about 1815, a Mexican settlement was in the area and had a land grant from the Spanish crown. It was a stopping place on the Camino Real to Santa Fe from Mexico City. The post office was established September 28, 1852.