1749 Birth of Pedro Antonio Fresquis, the first documented New Mexican-born Santero. The military chapel of Our Lady of Light, La Castrence , is built on the Plaza in Santa Fe. The reredos carved from local stone is one of the most important artworks of Colonial New Mexico. The great altar screen now adorns the Church of Cristo Rey on Canyon Road. The Santuario de Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe is dedicated in Santa Fe.
American colonies gain independence from England.
1790 Colonial census of New Mexico indicates a thriving textile industry. 1796 Birth of Jose Rafael Aragon, considered the greatest and most prolific New Mexican Santero. 1798-1802 Altar screens in churches of San Miguel de Santa Fe, San Francisco de Santa Fe, and the churches of Zia, Acoma and Laguna Pueblos are painted by an anonymous Santero known as the Laguna Santero. Lt Zebulon Pike writes that artisans in NM are producing a variety of copper wares. The Bazan brothers, master weavers from Mexico are brought to New Mexico to improve weaving quality.