On State Road 53 at milepost 83.1,, 2.5 miles south of Interstate 40, on the right when traveling north.
San Rafael, formerly know as El Gallo, is located at a spring near the Malpais, the great lave flow to the east. The area was visited by members of Vásquez de Coronado's expedition in 1540. In 1862, it was selected as the original site of Fort . . . — — Map (db m36475) HM
On U.S. 60 at milepost 331, on the right when traveling west.
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 . . . — — Map (db m73718) HM
On State Road 272 south of State Road 212, on the right when traveling south.
You are entering the grounds of historic Fort Sumner, headquarters of the Bosque Redondo Indian Reservation.
Over 400 Mescalero Apache and 7,000 Navajo were held here as prisoners of war. The museum tells their stories. — — Map (db m145060) HM
On State Road 60 at milepost 329.5, on the left when traveling east.
Population 1,250 – Elevation 4,028 ft.
Named for the fort built in 1862 to guard the Bosque Redondo Indian Reservation, the town of Fort Sumner grew out of settlements clustering around the Maxwell family properties. It moved to its . . . — — Map (db m73721) HM
On U.S. 60 at State Road 20, on the right when traveling east on U.S. 60.
Population 1,250 – Elevation 4,028 ft.
Named for the fort built in 1862 to guard the Bosque Redondo Indian Reservation, the town of Fort Sumner grew out of settlements clustering around the Maxwell family properties. It moved to its . . . — — Map (db m73722) HM
Originally established as Santa Barbara in 1851, Apache raids drove the settlers away until 1853 when nearby Fort Thorn was established. Abandoned again in 1860 after the fort closed, it was reoccupied in 1875 and re-named for General Edward Hatch, . . . — — Map (db m24745) HM
On Interstate 25 at milepost 22.8, on the right when traveling south.
Fort Selden was established to protect settlers and railroad construction crews in the Mesilla Valley and the Jornada del Muerto from Apaches. The first regular army troops to garrison it were four companies of the black 125th Infantry. General . . . — — Map (db m45085) HM
On Calle de Parian, on the left when traveling east.
I. The laws of the United States having been extended by proclamation over the Mesilla Valley and the territory recently acquired from the Republic of Mexico, the undersigned as military Commander of the same directs that Lt. Colonel Miles 3rd . . . — — Map (db m6991) HM
On Calle De San Albino south of Calle de Parian, on the right when traveling south.
This is the original La Posta. The only station that remains standing on the Butterfield Trail. For more than a century and three quarters, these old adobe walls have withstood the attack of elements and men and have sheltered such personalities as . . . — — Map (db m126894) HM
Near Dona Ana Road, 0.7 miles north of Fort Selden Road, on the right when traveling north.
English: As you look across this landscape, use your imagination to "see" how people lived and passed by this spot throughout history. Ancient village — 1,000 years ago Look along the ridge and imagine a village built by . . . — — Map (db m158085) HM
On Calle El Centro at Cam Foresta, on the right when traveling east on Calle El Centro.
Has been designated a
National Historic Landmark
For the important role it played in the military and medical history of southwest New Mexico
This fort possesses National Significance in commemorating the history of the United States . . . — — Map (db m38303) HM
On U.S. 180 at milepost 120.5 at Bayard Road, on the right when traveling north on U.S. 180.
One of the several posts created on the Apache frontier, Fort Bayard protected the Pinos Altos mining district. Company B of the black 125th Infantry served here, as did Lt. John J. Pershing. In 1900 the fort became a military hospital, and today . . . — — Map (db m38226) HM
On Scenic State Road 152, 1.1 miles east of State Highway 356, on the right when traveling east.
The early years of mining were turbulent, with numerous explorers and adventurers attempting to conduct mining operations here. Fur trappers Sylvester Pattie and son James tried their hand at mining copper and used the underground mines to store . . . — — Map (db m157881) HM
On State Road 220 at milepost 13.5, on the left when traveling south.
Fort Stanton, named for Captain Henry Stanton, was established to control the Mescalero Apaches. It was burned and evacuated by Union troops in 1861, held briefly by the Confederates, and then reoccupied by Colonel Kit Carson for the Union in 1862. . . . — — Map (db m45954) HM
On State Road 220 at milepost 13.5, on the right when traveling south.
Established Apr., 1855 by Brig. Gnl. Garland. Named for Capt. Stanton, killed near here in fighting Apaches. One of several forts controlling Indians and aiding westward migration. Partly destroyed, 1861, before a Confederate approach, reoccupied . . . — — Map (db m45955) HM
Photo etching caption:
Soldiers of the 10th Infantry Co. E in front of the barracks in 1892
This building, like most, has been modified numerous times to suit the needs of the entities that managed it. Originally built in 1855 as a . . . — — Map (db m86182) HM
On Black Jack Pershing Road near State Road 220, on the right when traveling west.
The Catholic chapel was originally built in 1913 on a wing of building 11 across the parade ground. In 1938, buildings 10, 11 and 12 were demolished, but the chapel was left free standing. A new stone façade was added to the old chapel consisting . . . — — Map (db m85868) HM
During the Army era, the fort’s commander and his family lived in this beautiful stone structure. During the Hospital’s tenure, it was the residence of the Medical Officer in Charge. Over the years, it is the only building that has remained . . . — — Map (db m86089) HM
Photo etchings caption:
Building 12, torn down in 1930, was actually attached to Building 13. When it was taken down, a chunk of the roof fell into a lady’s bedroom.
Originally built in 1855 of adobe, the building that occupied this . . . — — Map (db m86189) HM
On Kit Carson Road near State Road 220, on the right when traveling west.
This beautiful building was constructed in 1931 for use by civilian employees of the hospital (and their families) for social activities. Patients utilized the ‘Seaman’s Social Club’ located just to the west of this building. In most aspects of . . . — — Map (db m133552) HM
This building, like most others on the parade ground, was first constructed in 1855 as a single story, stone structure. It included an Adjutant’s office, library, and guard house. Later remodels added a second floor and arched porch. It was known as . . . — — Map (db m85802) HM
On Billy the Kid Trail (State Highway 220) at Black Jack Pershing Road, on the right when traveling west on Billy the Kid Trail.
Named for Captain Henry W. Stanton, Fort Stanton was established May 4, 1855 as a
military fort to protect settlers from Apache attacks. Operated as a military fortification until 1896, it played a part in the Civil War, was the first Tuberculosis . . . — — Map (db m119454) HM
Established in Eighteen Hundred Fifty Five as a fort and cavalry post to control Geronimo’s Mescalero Apaches. Named after Captain Henry W. Stanton, First United States Dragoons, who was killed in action with the Indians. By a Presidential . . . — — Map (db m121962) HM
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, . . . — — Map (db m85804) HM
T.B. Patients in front of the hospital administration building.
This building was constructed of local stone by troops of the 1st Dragoons and 8th Infantry as a barracks in 1855. It was utilized in that capacity until the fort was closed by the . . . — — Map (db m85808) HM
On the site located 100 yards west of this sign resided the L.G. Murphy Sutler Store (the post trader). Begun in 1866 by Lawrence G. Murphy and Emil Fritz (both former Dragoons stationed at Fort Stanton), it was a large, rambling, adobe structure of . . . — — Map (db m123794) HM
This new hospital building replaced the old tubercular hospital (buildings 10 and 11) in 1936. It was state of the art when constructed and boasted a bed capacity of 85 patients and the first elevator in the state of New Mexico.
Doctors that . . . — — Map (db m85869) HM
This building was constructed in 1940 on the site of building 11 (formerly barracks and then the original tubercular hospital). While it does not match the style or construction of most of the original fort buildings, it does reflect the Territorial . . . — — Map (db m85923) HM
Constructed in 1855, this building was originally a single story complex of four quarters for officers and their families. It has evolved over time to be more spacious and comfortable with a second story, bay windows and covered porches. Seen in the . . . — — Map (db m86307) HM
This building was constructed in 1883 of adobe. It was designed to house two officers and their families. During the hospital years, it was used as doctor’s housing, boasting two finely appointed apartments.
What a privilege it was to be . . . — — Map (db m85928) HM
Built in 1855, as a single story, gabled roof structure of simple design and construction, this building housed officers and their families. It was here that 2nd Lieutenant John J. Pershing was quartered in 1887 and where he met his future wife. On . . . — — Map (db m86734) HM
On State Road 220 near Kit Carson Road, on the right when traveling north.
Corrals have stood on this site since 1855. The current rock corrals were built in 1877 to replace older ones that burned. These structures housed horses and mules necessary for Cavalry and freighting operations. When the hospital took over Fort . . . — — Map (db m85775) HM
On Kit Carson Road near State Road 220, on the left when traveling west.
On these terraces were located 40 – 70 tent cottages that housed ambulatory tuberculosis patients between 1900 and 1963. These two man cottages had roll up canvas sides that were kept open for the fresh air regarded as essential to curing . . . — — Map (db m85768) HM
On U.S. 380 at milepost 97.9, on the right when traveling west.
Encamped a few yards away on July 19, 1878 were U.S. troops from Fort Stanton. Allegedly brought to protect lives and property, their presence quickened Murphy party into firing McSween's residence and pillaging the Tunstall store. — — Map (db m45989) HM
On State Road 400 at milepost 3 at Main Street, on the left when traveling south on State Road 400.
The first Fort Wingate was established near San Rafael in 1862, to serve as the base of Col. Kit Carson's campaigns against the Navajos. In 1868 the garrison was transferred to the second Fort Wingate near Gallup. In that same year, the Navajos . . . — — Map (db m36538) HM
On State Road 120 just east of Interstate 25, on the right when traveling east.
Wagon Mound is the westernmost natural landmark on the Santa Fe Trail. It could be seen for miles by weary travelers making their way over the long and arduous road. The promontory was named by the trail travelers for its resemblance to a large . . . — — Map (db m156740) HM
On New Mexico Route 161, 2.3 miles north of Interstate 25, on the right when traveling north.
The low line of trees to the south marks La Junta (the junction) of the Mora and Sapello Rivers. It is also known as La Junta because its location is where the Cimarron and Mountain Branches of the Santa Fe Trail join. Arriving with the U.S. . . . — — Map (db m156802) HM
Near New Mexico Route 161, 2.6 miles north of Interstate 25, on the left when traveling north.
In 1848, the U.S. Secretary of War ordered Lieutenant Colonel Edwin V. Sumner, as commander of the Ninth Military Department to "revise the whole system of defense (sic)" in the New Mexico Territory. The immediate goal was to move U.S. troops out of . . . — — Map (db m156808) HM
Near New Mexico Route 161, 7.5 miles north of CanAm Highway (Interstate 25).
For many of the years between 1851 and 1891, Fort Union was the greatest economic powerhouse in the New Mexico Territory. The single Army officer who controlled the huge complex that made up the Fort Union Depot — some 400 acres of . . . — — Map (db m148810) HM
Near New Mexico Route 161, 7.5 miles north of CanAm Highway (Interstate 25).
Just ahead you would have seen a military general store. This was one place at Fort Union where people were always coming and going, every day. Soldiers from the Post, the Depot, and the Arsenal — as well as civilian travelers, Army wives, and . . . — — Map (db m149002) HM
Near New Mexico Route 161, 7.5 miles north of CanAm Highway (Interstate 25).
In this early 1860's view, the Commissary Storehouse is hidden behind the shed-like structure on the right. This huge building housed tons of canned and bottled goods, salted meats and fish, as well as onions and potatoes to feed the garrisons of . . . — — Map (db m149005) HM
Near New Mexico Route 161, 7.5 miles north of CanAm Highway (Interstate 25).
We cannot sit down and have such a set of [horse] thieves run off with our stock with impunity. The Civil authorities seem to be powerless to cope with them. —James H. Carleton, lieutenant colonel commanding Fort Union, March 1867 For . . . — — Map (db m149180) HM
Near New Mexico Route 161, 7.5 miles north of CanAm Highway (Interstate 25).
Depot Officers’ Quarters under construction in the early 1860’s. The gable-roofed building behind the unfinished Officers’ Quarters is the Sutler’s Store. Photo of the completed Quarters was taken in the 1870’s. — — Map (db m149181) HM
Near New Mexico Route 161, 7.5 miles north of CanAm Highway (Interstate 25).
In the distance you can still see the adobe remnants of the Fort Union Arsenal. This ordnance depot stored and issued the weapons and ammunition needed for all Army operations throughout the Southwest for 30 years. Longstanding Army practice was to . . . — — Map (db m149001) HM
Near New Mexico Route 161, 7.5 miles north of CanAm Highway (Interstate 25).
Imagine 2,000 to 3,000 freight wagons a year being off-loaded into these enormous buildings. In these five warehouses, the United States Army stored, inventoried, organized, and redistributed thousands of tons of food and equipment to support the . . . — — Map (db m149004) HM
Near New Mexico Route 161, 7.5 miles north of CanAm Highway (Interstate 25).
The deep ruts etched into the earth in front of you are a record of Fort Union's role as the guardian of the Santa Fe Trail. Formed from a network of routes used for hundreds of years by American Indians, Spaniards, Mexicans, New Mexicans, and . . . — — Map (db m148988) HM
On New Mexico Route 161, 6.6 miles north of Interstate 25, on the left when traveling north.
Fort Union Arsenal (marker south side)West of Fort Union near the base of the mesa are the ruins of Fort Union Arsenal. The first Fort Union was built at this location in 1851. In 1867 this wooden fort was razed and the adobe Arsenal . . . — — Map (db m156765) HM
Near Interstate 25 at milepost 375.5,, 8.6 miles north of State Road 161.
Fort Union National Monument 1851-1891
Once the largest post in the Southwest, Fort Union was established to control the Jicarilla Apaches and Utes, to protect the Santa Fe Trail, and to serve as a supply depot for other New Mexico forts. . . . — — Map (db m45829) HM
Near New Mexico Route 161, 7.5 miles north of CanAm Highway (Interstate 25).
You are looking at the largest United States military base to be found for 500 miles in any direction during the late 1800s. There was nothing bigger from Kansas to California. For 25 years, this frontier-era Army post was a federal government-run . . . — — Map (db m148970) HM
On New Mexico Route 161, 2.3 miles north of Interstate 25, on the right when traveling north.
On the indigenous pathway that became the Santa Fe Trail, Native Americans long traveled and traded. After Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821, the Santa Fe trail developed as an international commercial highway connecting Mexico with the . . . — — Map (db m156800) HM
Near New Mexico Route 161, 7.5 miles north of CanAm Highway (Interstate 25).
“Here you get one night in bed… tonight you are on Guard, tomorrow morning at 8 o'clock you get relieved… one hour after coming off Guard You have to Saddle up and go on Herd. Come in with the Herd at 4 p.m., spend one hour grooming your . . . — — Map (db m149183) HM
Near New Mexico Route 161, 7.5 miles north of CanAm Highway (Interstate 25).
For 24 years the officer in command of the cavalry and infantry troops at Fort Union lived here. The post commandant issued the orders that determined the daily duties and routines for hundreds of enlisted men, non-commissioned officers, officers, . . . — — Map (db m149000) HM
On New Mexico Route 161, 2.3 miles north of Interstate 25, on the right when traveling north.
On the hillside in front of you, the wagon ruts of the Santa Fe Trail bear silent witness to the passage of time and nations moving east and west. When Mexico won its independence from Spain in 1821, legal trade began between the United States and . . . — — Map (db m156801) HM
Near New Mexico Route 161, 7.5 miles north of CanAm Highway (Interstate 25).
This square, open yard was once full of men hard at work. The Santa Fe Trail and the rough, unpaved roads of New Mexico Territory in the 1800s were tough on freight wagons — and the livestock that hauled them. Inside this Mechanics' Corral . . . — — Map (db m149007) HM
Near New Mexico Route 161, 7.5 miles north of CanAm Highway (Interstate 25).
There were few chances for family life for any enlisted man in the United States Army on the frontier. Regulations did not allow new recruits to have a wife or child. No soldier could marry without the permission of his commanding officer. That . . . — — Map (db m148994) HM
Near New Mexico Route 161, 7.5 miles north of CanAm Highway (Interstate 25).
Protective brick coping atop the adobe walls has not yet been added to most of the Officers’ Quarters shown in the top photo, dated 1866. The buildings, pictured ten years later, are complete with porches and fencing. — — Map (db m148999) HM
Near New Mexico Route 161, 7.5 miles north of CanAm Highway (Interstate 25).
Throughout the 19th century, military sanitation was far ahead of most civilian practice in the West. The “sinks,” “privies,” “necessaries,” and latrines of the military kept contagious disease at a minimum and . . . — — Map (db m149184) HM
Near New Mexico Route 161, 7.5 miles north of CanAm Highway (Interstate 25).
Army officers assigned to the garrison here at Fort Union lived with their families in the row of nine houses you see along this side of the parade ground. Each building held two apartments and shared a common kitchen and dining room at the rear. . . . — — Map (db m148998) HM
Near New Mexico Route 161, 7.5 miles north of CanAm Highway (Interstate 25).
Soon after a Confederate army from Fort Bliss, Texas invaded southern New Mexico in July 1861, over 200 men found themselves here, working 4-hour shifts, day and night. With picks and shovels they raised a new Fort Union surrounded by earthworks. . . . — — Map (db m148996) HM
Near New Mexico Route 161, 7.5 miles north of CanAm Highway (Interstate 25).
To us today, Fort Union looks like a single, very large Army base. Soldiers who served here from 1863-1891 saw things in a completely different way. For them, the Post of Fort Union and the Fort Union Quartermaster Depot were like two small towns . . . — — Map (db m149003) HM
Near New Mexico Route 161, 7.5 miles north of CanAm Highway (Interstate 25).
Between Fort Riley, Kansas and California you would have found no bigger or better medical facility than the one that once stood here. In 1864 it cost $45,000 to build. This six-ward hospital had from 10 beds to 126 beds over its life. Here a . . . — — Map (db m148976) HM
Near New Mexico Route 161, 7.5 miles north of CanAm Highway (Interstate 25).
Think of what you see here as the forerunner of today's busy truck stops on the interstates. Now, freight rides cross-country safe inside boxes of steel and aluminum, rolling on rubber tires. In the mid-1800s, cargo rode under canvas on iron-shod . . . — — Map (db m149006) HM
Near New Mexico Route 161, 7.5 miles north of CanAm Highway (Interstate 25).
”More like a village… than a military post” was how one soldier described the First Fort Union — located across the valley where you now see adobe ruins of the later Fort Union Arsenal.
Begun in the summer of 1851, First . . . — — Map (db m148995) HM
Near New Mexico Route 161, 7.5 miles north of CanAm Highway (Interstate 25).
If you look straight ahead about a mile, you can see the site of the first Fort Union. There, at the foot of the mesa, soldiers quickly threw up buildings made from logs and uncured, rough-sawn lumber in the summer of 1851. Their mission was to . . . — — Map (db m149182) HM
Near New Mexico Route 161, 7.5 miles north of CanAm Highway (Interstate 25).
Today it's tough to look at the low wagon wheel ruts of the Santa Fe Trail — just ahead of you and grasp how many tens of thousands of lives this road turned upside down. Comanche, Kiowa, Jicarilla Apache, Mountain Ute, and other American . . . — — Map (db m149008) HM
Near New Mexico Route 161, 7.5 miles north of CanAm Highway (Interstate 25).
The Six Mule Army Wagon contributed to the military's success in the Southwest. With its simple design and iconic red and blue paint scheme, the Six Mule Army Wagon, nicknamed the "Old Army Six Mule", performed the critical role of linking . . . — — Map (db m148980) HM
Near New Mexico Route 161, 7.5 miles north of CanAm Highway (Interstate 25).
Unlike its predecessors, the Third Fort Union was carefully planned. Building materials included native stone, adobe bricks — fashioned from soil dug from a field north of the fort site — and bricks manufactured in the nearby town of Las . . . — — Map (db m148997) HM
Near New Mexico Route 161, 2.6 miles north of Interstate 25, on the left when traveling north.
Like surging tides upon the shore, a procession of human cultures has influenced this region. Each new wave of people left unique impressions on the landscape and each other. 1100-1900 Jicarilla Apache, Ute, Comanche, Pueblo, and other . . . — — Map (db m156804) HM
On New Mexico Route 161, 7.6 miles north of Interstate 25.
Rested and resupplied at Fort Union, traders headed west into the last 130 miles of the long and arduous trip to Santa Fe. They reached the trading post at Watrous first and then the small town of Las Vegas, founded as a trail stop in 1835. One of . . . — — Map (db m156972) HM
Near New Mexico Route 161, 7.5 miles north of CanAm Highway (Interstate 25).
Although taken at different times, these two photos show the Transportation Corral (1) and Herders Corral (2). Dozens of wagons and scores of mules were kept here in readiness to transport supplies and troops. Towering haystacks can be seen in the . . . — — Map (db m149186) HM
Built under Brigadier General James H. Carleton. First Post Commander Captain Peter W.L. Plympton with Company F, 7th U.S. Infantry and Company 1st New Mexico Volunteer Cavalry. Named after Captain George N. Bascom, 16th U.S. Infantry. Officers . . . — — Map (db m63510)
On State Road 104 at milepost 100.3, on the right when traveling north.
Fort Bascom was built to protect this area from Comanches. In 1864, Kit Carson led a campaign against the Comanches, as did General Philip Sheridan in 1868. The fort was also established to control the Comancheros, New Mexicans involved in illegal . . . — — Map (db m93198) HM
On Highway 84/64 (U.S. 84), on the right when traveling south.
Fort Lowell was established in 1866 to protect the Tierra Amarilla area settlements from the Southern Utes. Originally named Camp Plummer this post was garrisoned by a detachment of New Mexico Volunteers, some of whose descendants live in the area. . . . — — Map (db m74255) HM
On Interstate 25 at milepost 360, on the right when traveling north.
Once the largest post in the Southwest, Fort Union was established to control the Jicarilla Apaches and Utes, to protect the Santa Fe Trail, and to serve as a supply depot for other New Mexico forts. The arrival of the railroad and the pacification . . . — — Map (db m55197) HM
On West Palace Avenue west of Old Santa Fe Trail, on the right when traveling west.
Fortress and Castle
built by order of the
Spanish crown 1610-1612
Seat of Government
under three flags–Spanish,
Mexican & American-
From 1610 to 1910 the
residence of over a hundred
Governors & Captains General
The . . . — — Map (db m45588) HM
Named for then-Secretary of War William L. Marcy, Fort Marcy was the first U.S. Army fort in the American Southwest. Commanding officer Brigadier General Stephen Watts Kearny directed Lieutenant William Emory to find the most "commanding" site in . . . — — Map (db m184794) HM
U.S. President James K. Polk assigned the invasion of New Mexico and California to General Stephen Watts Kearny, who marched the Army of the West into Santa Fe on August 18, 1846. Governor and Commanding General Manuel Armijo had publicly demanded . . . — — Map (db m184792) HM
The large mounds you see on the rise in front of you are the eroded remains of the walls of Fort Marcy's blockhouse. It was built in 1846-1847 on the highest place on Fort Marcy hill for use as a guardhouse and soldiers' quarters. Unlike the fort, . . . — — Map (db m184795) HM
Fort Marcy was constructed in 1846 at the outset of the Mexican-American War by the U.S. Army following the invasion and capture of the Mexican city of Santa Fe. The Americans built a fort atop this hill to protect the troops in the case of an . . . — — Map (db m183673) HM
You are standing on Fort Marcy Hill, a site of human occupation for a thousand years. Pueblo Indians and their ancestors lived here. Between 1600 and 1680, the hill was common land for Santa Fe colonists. The Spanish built a small fort on a hill . . . — — Map (db m184791) HM
Located on the east side of Elephant Butte Lake, the fort was named for Captain Alexander McRae, who died in the Civil War battle of Valverde, New Mexico, February 1862. Garrisoned over time by units of the New Mexico Volunteers, California . . . — — Map (db m159034) HM
On Interstate 25 at milepost 114, on the right when traveling north.
Fort Craig was established in 1853 and garrisoned in 1854 with troops from Fort Conrad located about nine miles north. Named after Capt. Louis S. Craig, it was used to control Indian raids along the Jornada del Muerto. Troops from Fort Craig were . . . — — Map (db m45130) HM
Restored by
US Army White Sands Missile Range
US Department of Energy
National Park Service
1984
In the front room of this humble ranch house the world's first nuclear device was assembled on 13 July 1945. The device was then taken to Trinity . . . — — Map (db m15072) HM
