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

REPLACED

CHECK OTHERS NEARBY

Bosque Redondo Indian Reservation

(Old Fort Sumner, 1862 – 1869)

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, April 29, 2014

1. Bosque Redondo Indian Reservation Marker

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 • Indigenous Peoples and Communities. A significant historical year for this entry is 1862.

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 This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby.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

Regionally, this marker was in Eastern

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New Mexico

and in the Pecos Valley. It was also in the American Southwest,

on the Great Plains,

on the Southern Plains,

and specifically on the High Plains.

Globally, it was in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it found itself in what was once New Spain,

the Comanchería,

the Dust Bowl,

and the Republic of Texas.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this location, measured as the crow flies: Fort Sumner (here, next to this marker); Fort Sumner, the Bosque Redondo Reservation, and "Billy the Kid's" Grave (a few steps from this marker); Bosque Redondo Memorial at Fort Sumner Historic Site (approx. 3½ miles away); a different marker also named Bosque Redondo Memorial at Fort Sumner Historic Site (approx. 3½ miles away); William "Billy the Kid" Bonney Grave 1859-1881 / Old Fort Sumner Cemetery (approx. 3½ miles away); Welcome to the Historic Fort Sumner Cemetery (approx. 3½ miles away); Joe "Texas Red" Grant (approx. 3½ miles away); Billy the Kid (approx. 3.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Sumner.

Other

Bosque Redondo Indian Reservation Marker Reverse image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, April 29, 2014

2. Bosque Redondo Indian Reservation Marker Reverse

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

markers no longer nearby. Fort Sumner (was approx. 1.2 miles away but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Old Fort Sumner and “Billy the Kid’s” Grave (was approx. 3½ miles away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, April 29, 2014

3. Bosque Redondo Indian Reservation Marker

New Replacement Markers image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, March 24, 2025

4. New Replacement Markers

Credits. This page was last revised on April 12, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 14, 2014, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,465 times since then and 57 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 14, 2014, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. 4. submitted on April 12, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.