It’s hard to imagine what the reddish adobe rubble once was – the largest military installation in the Southwest. Located north of Watrous, New Mexico, Fort Union became a national monument in 1954 and three military forts are preserved on seven hundred and twenty acres.

The first of the forts, dating back to 1851, was laid out at the crossroads of the Mountain and Cimarron branches of the Santa Fe Trail – a key supply route to the West. Reportedly, Davey Crockett traveled to the log-style fort on his way to the Alamo.

When the U.S. won the territory from Mexico, a second, more substantial earthen-mound fort, was established as a part of the defense line stretching across the Rio Grande Valley. It continued as part of a supply chain and also became a quartermaster depot (or large military warehouse).

In the 1850s, the fort served as base during the campaigns against the American Indians, specifically the Jicarilla Apache, Utes, Kiowas and Comanches, who led raids in the area.

Union forces controlled the fort at the outbreak of the Civil War (1861). The garrison stationed there never saw action, as the Confederates were turned back at Glorietta Pass, twenty miles southeast of Santa Fe. The Confederate troops returned to Texas and were unable to advance any further north.

After the war, a third fort was constructed, and those are the ruins that can be viewed today. Fort Union resumed its supply role, until the railroad replaced the Santa Fe Trail as a means of communication and commerce. By 1891, the fort was abandoned.

A highlight are the ruts carved by the long wagon trains on the Santa Fe Trail. Look for the marker along the walking path.

Santa Fe Trail Ruts

• Fort Union is located on NM 161, off the I-25, north of Las Vegas.
• It is open 8-6PM or 8-4PM seasonally.
• Admission is free. There are restrooms and a visitor’s center. No camping.
• Leashed dogs are permitted on the paths and in the picnic areas.

---

Know of a good fort that we can check out?