Fort Stanton in Lincoln County, New Mexico — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Guardhouse
Building 8
Photographed By William F Haenn, July 18, 2015
1. Guardhouse Marker
James Dolan, Emil Fritz, W.W. Martin and Lawrence Murphy established a business that would become the focus of the Lincoln County War. Fritz and Murphy (and possibly Dolan) served at Fort Stanton as soldiers.
Originally built of adobe in 1879, this building was the second guardhouse built at the fort. Remodels during the hospital’s tenure added clapboard siding and a porch. This building became the hospital library. Further remodels enclosed the porch creating extra rooms necessary for an X-ray room and dentist office. During the infamous Lincoln County War of 1878-1879, numerous non-military prisoners were held in the guardhouse awaiting trial in Lincoln or some other legal location.
‘The guardhouse here is a “Bastille” crowded with civil prisoners. The Governor (Gov. Lew Wallace) is no doubt correct in doing his duty to abate lawlessness in Lincoln County.’
‘Unknown’ correspondent to the Mesilla Independent paper, 1879
Erected 2014 by Fort Stanton Historic Site.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Science & Medicine. A significant historical year for this entry is 1879.
Location. 33° 29.638′ N, 105° 31.576′ W. Marker is in Fort Stanton, New Mexico
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Fort Administration Building (a few steps from this marker); Hospital Administration (within shouting distance of this marker); Barracks / Dining Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); TB Tent Cottages (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Stanton Medical Center (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); New Hospital (about 300 feet away); Nurse's Quarters (about 300 feet away); Commissary Warehouse (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Stanton.
More about this marker. This marker is one of an impressive complement of bronze markers with photo etchings which describe the extensive physical remains of historic Fort Stanton, New Mexico.
Regarding Guardhouse. Fritz and Murphy each served as the Post Commander of Fort Stanton at the close of the Civil War. After the war they were the post traders for Fort Stanton until 1873.
Also see . . . Fort Stanton NM - Where History Comes To Life. Historic Site Website homepage (Submitted on July 22, 2015, by William F Haenn of Fort Clark (Brackettville), Texas.)
Photographed By William F Haenn, July 18, 2015
2. Second Guardhouse at Fort Stanton
Additional commentary.
1. James J. Dolan
Contrary to the speculation in the marker text, James J. Dolan did in fact serve at Fort Stanton from 1867-69, as a musician in Company "I," 37th U.S. Infantry. Dolan enlisted in the 37th Infantry on 26 Sep 1866, at Fort Columbus, Governor’s Island, New York Harbor and was assigned to the Company “I,” as a musician (the rank he previously held when discharged from Company “K,” 38th New York Veteran Infantry when he was mustered out, after three years of Civil War service, on July 13, 1865, at Alexandria, VA). He was discharged at Fort Stanton NM April 3, 1869, and immediately went to work for Lawrence Murphy.
— Submitted August 16, 2018, by William F Haenn of Fort Clark (Brackettville), Texas.
circa 1865
3. Brevet Lieut Col EMIL FRITZ, 1st California Cavalry, Post Commander of Ft Stanton 1865-66
circa 1865
4. Brevet Major LAWRENCE GUSTAVE MURPHY, 1st New Mexico Cavalry, Post Commander of Ft Stanton 1866
Credits. This page was last revised on March 25, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 20, 2015, by William F Haenn of Fort Clark (Brackettville), Texas. This page has been viewed 450 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 20, 2015, by William F Haenn of Fort Clark (Brackettville), Texas. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
