Once the largest US military installation on the southwest frontier, Fort Union was a massive complex that was as large as a city. Also, it had the best hospital in the west with a capacity for sixty people. One of the most interesting facts about Fort Union is that there were actually three forts that stood here over the years. Since they had issues with building something here that would last. The harsh weather conditions and bugs made it really hard to build a lasting construction.
I loved visiting Fort Union, there is just so much history here. Eventhough I knew this was the biggest installation on the Santa Fe trail, I never imagined it to be this big and so beautiful. Although a lot of the buildings have melted away, it’s still possible to make out what it’s purpose was. Make sure to visit it when you are in New Mexico!
First Fort 1851-1861
First time they built Fort Union, they built it out of wood. Since it consisted of a few shaggy log buildings, they constantly had to be rebuilt. After a few years, they were falling apart and abandoned. Nothing remains.
Second Fort 1861-1862
After many repairs on the first fort, they decided to rebuild it to protect themselves against Confederate invasion. So they built a huge parapet. Only problem is, it wasn’t long before they started to erode into the ditch. Resulting in an unventilated, damp and unhealthy environment. So much so, that the troops refused to live under those conditions. Instead, they camped outside in tents. Once the Confederate invasion was over, they quickly abandoned the fort and started building a new one.
Third Fort 1863-91
By the third time they built Fort Union, they built in the traditional “territorial” style out of adobe. Which consisted of stone foundations covered in adobe then adorned with red bricks. Shortly after, it became a supply depot, goods were shipped here, placed in warehouses then redistributed to other forts along the Santa Fe Trail.
However, they built the buildings too fast and once again they started to deteriorate. Finally, in 1891, the fort was abandoned and left to disintegrate. Luckily in 1956 a group called Fort Union Inc decided to preserve and protect the fort so that we can see it today.
Travel Secret
- Since lightning storms, hail and strong winds are common in this area, if the siren rings while you are visiting the fort, head back to the visitor’s center immediately!
Hours
| Memorial Day to Labor Day | 8:00 am – 5:00 pm |
| Labor Day to Memorial Day | 8:00 am – 4:00 pm |
Closed
Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
Admission
Free
Plan to spend and hour and a half to two hours here.
Directions
Fort Union National Monument
3115 NM-161,
Watrous, NM 87753
From I-25 S take exit 366 for NM-161 toward NM-97/Watrous/Valmora and turn right onto NM-161. Destination will be on your left.
Via I-25 N take exit 366 for NM-161 toward NM-97/Watrous/Valmora and turn left onto NM-161. Destination will be on your left.
Accommodation
For the closest accommodations, they will be in Las Vegas , NM. In order to find the best deal, use my link below because it will search through all the online sites to find you the best price available. If you purchase your vacation through my link, this site will earn a small commission on your purchase. However, rest assured that it will not cost you anything extra! In fact, the only difference is that this site will earn a commission instead of another booking site. Thank your sponsorship!
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