Popé, << poh PAY >> (?-1688?), also spelled Po’ Pay, was a Native American Pueblo leader who led the 1680 Pueblo revolt. Spain had violently conquered the Pueblo people in what is now New Mexico in 1598 and 1599. Afterward, a labor draft, taxes, and forced Catholic conversions led to tensions between the Spanish and the 30,000 Pueblo people who lived in villages along the Rio Grande.
After a severe drought, many Pueblo came to believe that the Spanish had to be expelled. In 1680, Popé helped lead a rebellion that drove hundreds of Spanish leaders, settlers, and clergy from the region. Many of the most abusive Spanish landlords, priests, and rulers were killed, and the Pueblo burned many of the churches and records of early New Mexico. Popé often used harsh punishments to enforce his rule, and in 1688 the villages he controlled forced him out of power. Popé regained control of several villages but died shortly later.
Popé was born in the pueblo of San Juan, near what is now Santa Fe, New Mexico. His Indian name was Po-png, which means Pumpkin Mountain.
See also Pueblo Rebellion of 1680 .
