The Kearny Code was promulgated in present-day Santa Fe, New Mexico on September 22, 1846 for use in the new New Mexico Territory, as occupied by the United States Army on August 18 during the U.S.-Mexican War.
General Kearny on September 26 left with guide Kit Carson to engage in the Alta California theater of the war.
The code was printed on a Ramage press owned by Padre Antonio José Martínez known as the Cura de Taos, and prepared by Col. Alexander William Doniphan, of the 1st Regiment of Missouri Mounted Volunteers, receiving significant assistance from Lt. Willard Preble Hall of the same regiment.
It was submitted to Congress along with the Organic Act creating the Territory of New Mexico.
It contained most of the safeguards of the United States Bill of Rights and others from Missouri.