Francisco Perea (January 9, 1830 – May 21, 1913) was an American businessman and politician, serving first in the House of the New Mexico Territory after the area's acquisition by the United States following the Mexican–American War.

During the American Civil War, Perea was commissioned as a Union Army lieutenant colonel, helping to defend the Territory.

Perea was born January 9, 1830, in Los Padillas, New Mexico (then in the United Mexican States).

[2] As a youth, Perea attended select schools in Bernalillo County from 1836 to 1837 and at Santa Fe from 1837 to 1839.

During this period, the Mexican–American War took place, ending with Mexico's defeat and its ceding the Southwest and California to the US.

When Perea returned to New Mexico, it had been annexed by the US; Congress authorized it as a Territory in 1850 after Texas gave up its claims.

He transported merchandise by mule train along the Santa Fe Trail from St. Louis and Independence, Missouri, to Mexico.

House, that I would be very happy to accompany them in providing for the good of our common country, if the matters above mentioned would permit me.

[3] When the American Civil War broke out, Perea traveled across the Territory of New Mexico to garner support for the Union cause.

President Abraham Lincoln authorized the establishment of two regiments and four battalions for the defense of the New Mexico Territory.

Perea took part in the Battle of Glorieta Pass, in March 1862, where the Union defeated Confederate forces.

[6] This article incorporates public domain material from the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress