dians in New Mexico staged a revolt against the Spanish. On the whole the Tigua did not join the revolt. Some believe this is an indication that the Tigua were loyal to the cross and to Spain. This is not entirely accurate. As the southernmost pueblo, location probably had more to do with the fate of the Tigua then anything. The news of this revolt led by an Indian named Pope had not yet reached Isleta. By the time it had the Tigua were overrun by retreating Spaniards. Being the southernmost city it was the natural regrouping ground for Otermin and his troops. With such a large presence of Spanish soldiers it would have been foolish for the Indians of Isleta to resist them. After failed attempts to recapture lands lost to the north, Governor Otermin finally decided to give up and proceeded south to greater safety of the Mission of Guadalupe at Juarez. The Spanish were accompanied by a group of Indians from mixed tribes, including a few Tigua. One in Juarez three camps for the Indians were established. Alvaro de Zualata was the first priest of the Sacramento camp was located on the present day site of the Mission Church at Ysleta, Texas. Ysleta, Texas, or Ysleta del Sur is the current location of the remaining Tigua Indians. Two other camps were also formed; St. Pedro de Alcantarra and Seneca del Sur. The present Church of Ysleta has an interesting record from this time stating that in addition to these camps set up by the Spanish, “a few Tigua try to found Ysleta del Sur in a nearby place.In 1681 Otermin was determined to recapture the lost territories in New Mexico. He mounted an expedition to the north and was successful in surprising the Pueblo of Isleta under the cover of darkness. He was able to capture nearly all of the inhabitants. The Spanish continued to move north. The Pueblo forces were successful again, however, in repulsing the Spanish. Thus forcing the Spanish back south toward El Paso. As many as 100 Isleta ...
