Near Fort Sumner in De Baca County, New Mexico — The American Mountains (Southwest)

Bosque Redondo Indian Reservation

(Old Fort Sumner, 1862 – 1869)

By Bill Kirchner, April 29, 2014

1. Bosque Redondo Indian Reservation Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

The U.S. Army established Fort Sumner in 1862 as a supply and control point for the Bosque Redondo Indian Reservation. About 10,000 Navajo were forcibly relocated from the Four-Corners Region during the tragic march known as the Long Walk. About 500 Apaches from southern New Mexico were also brought here. Approximately 3,000 Navajos and Apaches died here. The ill-conceived reservation was closed in 1868, and the Navajos and Apaches returned to their homes. The fort was abandoned in 1869.

Erected by New Mexico Historic Preservation Division.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Native Americans.

Location. 34° 27.312′ N, 104° 11.63′ W. Marker is near Fort Sumner, New Mexico, in De Baca County. Marker is on U.S. 60 at milepost 331, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Fort Sumner NM 88119, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 5 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Fort Sumner (approx. 1.2 miles away); Old Fort Sumner and “Billy the Kid’s” Grave

<i>Back of </i> Bosque Redondo Indian Reservation Marker image. Click for full size.

By Bill Kirchner, April 29, 2014

2. Back of Bosque Redondo Indian Reservation Marker

Points of Interest
New Mexico's Historic Markers typically have a map on the back side showing the location of other OSHM's. This is an excellent source of information when exploring for other Historical Markers and locations.

(approx. 3½ miles away); Lucien Bonaparte Maxwell (approx. 3.6 miles away); a different marker also named Bosque Redondo Indian Reservation (approx. 3.7 miles away); a different marker also named Fort Sumner (approx. 4 miles away).

By Bill Kirchner, April 29, 2014

3. Bosque Redondo Indian Reservation Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on May 14, 2014, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 793 times since then and 3 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 14, 2014, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.