Fort Union, New Mexico

[stu613]

In keeping with the CWT zoom presentation last night, here are some photos I took of Fort Union back in 2013. Hope you enjoy.

Above is Fort Union main gate as seen from the Visitor Center

Above is Fort Union Officer's Row

Above is Fort Union Officer's Row from opposite end.

 

[stu613]

Above is Fort Union Officer's Row, Interior of one of the quarters.

Above is Fort Union wharehouse interior

Above is Fort Union wharehouse exterior

 

[stu613]

Above is Fort Union mechancis bldg

Above is Fort Union mechancis bldg

Above is Fort Union privy. In the background you can see some of the remaining ruts of the original Santa fe trail that ran right past the fort.

 

[stu613]

Above is Fort Union enlisted barracks

Above is Fort Union enlisted barracks and hospital

 

[Lampasas Bill]

It's a great place to visit. The wide swale of the Santa Fe Trail ruts are particularly evocative. For those not familiar, the fort was one of the objectives of the Confederate invasion. The remains of the earthwork fort nearby were prepared to oppose the Texans if they had succeeded in advancing through Glorita Pass.

 

[gary]

Thanks. It's been over a decade since I've been to Fort Union. I'm going back to Glorietta soon (and then eat at Sante Fe). If you ever go from Trinidad to Raton, that was the pass the First Colorado did their speed march through to reach Fort Union. Imagine it in the winter. I try not to cross it during a snowstorm.

The Sante Fe Trail also passes through the Whittington Center. Museum is for free (and I don't recommend their Gunslinger/Mudslinger Restaurant). BTW, I hit the White Buffalo (1123 yds?).

 

[gc45]

Lots of interesting history concerning ft Union; before, during and after the war.

 

[7th Texas Mounted Rifles]

It's a great place to visit. The wide swale of the Santa Fe Trail ruts are particularly evocative. For those not familiar, the fort was one of the objectives of the Confederate invasion. The remains of the earthwork fort nearby were prepared to oppose the Texans if they had succeeded in advancing through Glorita Pass.

Pro tip:

At the visitor's center, ask at the counter and they will give you an awesome poster that features a great aerial view of the adobe Fort Union as well as the later 'star' fort.

 

[7th Texas Mounted Rifles]

It's been over a decade since I've been to Fort Union. I'm going back to Glorietta soon (and then eat at Sante Fe). If you ever go from Trinidad to Raton, that was the pass the First Colorado did their speed march through to reach Fort Union. Imagine it in the winter. I try not to cross it during a snowstorm.

I just got back from a 3100 mile family extended spring break circuit of Arizona/New Mexico historical sites… this time it was structured so that the last two days were Santa Fe (Glorieta!) before heading back to central Texas.

We do NM every 2/3 years, and I'll admit - it's tradition that we revisit Fort Craig/Black Mesa, Glorieta, and a third particular site every time.

As of two weeks ago - Glorieta was as beautiful as usual… Pigeon's Ranch was overgrown a bit and had a good number of water diversion fiber mats around the foundation guiding the snowmelt/runoff from Sharpshooter's Ridge safely down and around the structure and across NM 50 into Glorieta Creek. Apache Canyon was as red as ever, and the guys at the I-25/NM50 exit were there as usual so as to stock up on Piñon nuts.

For those considering a trip - the battlefield trail is extremely worthwhile. Get yourself a great view from Windmill Hill and Artillery Ridge, peek at the site of Johnson's Ranch from the access road - and check out Kozlowski's Stage Stop, too.

For me personally, the view from Sharpshooter's Ridge overlooking Pigeon's Ranch and the approach of the 7th TX on the far flank is one of my all time favorite vistas.

This also gives you a vantage point to peek over at the old Siler property where the confederate mass grave was discovered in '87.

When you head back to Santa Fe - check out the CW burials at the National Cemetery - also consider checking out Dumont Maps and Books on San Francisco Street… the man always has an awesome collection of single/unbound OR plates perfect for framing, so you can spare your complete atlas from mutilation if your looking for wall art!

I also heartily recommend swinging by the Governor's Palace portal if you enjoy Kewa beadwork or need some custom Pueblo/Navajo silversmithing work.

The Pantry in Santa Fe was still slinging the best breakfast, dinner and supper too! (I verified three times this last trip…)

Other 'best' eateries in Santa Fe:

La Choza
El Chile Toreado
El Parasol
Tia Sophia's

The Shed is great for a 'touristy' place as well.

Above all - 'Red, Green, or Christmas?' should be the most difficult question you answer on a NM vacation!



I'll live and die on the ranch in Texas… but the misses and I are heavily considering a parcel on Glorieta or Rowe Mesa for yearly retreats.

Typical Texans retreat to Colorado for vacation… I'll take New Mexico every single time.

 

[7th Texas Mounted Rifles]

Excellent thread, @stu613 !!!

I'd estimate that half of all my Fort Union photos over the years feature the 'sentinels'… pronghorn antelope wandering through the ruins.

 

[stu613]

I just got back from a 3100 mile family extended spring break circuit of Arizona/New Mexico historical sites… this time it was structured so that the last two days were Santa Fe (Glorieta!) before heading back to central Texas.

We do NM every 2/3 years, and I'll admit - it's tradition that we revisit Fort Craig/Black Mesa, Glorieta, and a third particular site every time.

As of two weeks ago - Glorieta was as beautiful as usual… Pigeon's Ranch was overgrown a bit and had a good number of water diversion fiber mats around the foundation guiding the snowmelt/runoff from Sharpshooter's Ridge safely down and around the structure and across NM 50 into Glorieta Creek. Apache Canyon was as red as ever, and the guys at the I-25/NM50 exit were there as usual so as to stock up on Piñon nuts.

For those considering a trip - the battlefield trail is extremely worthwhile. Get yourself a great view from Windmill Hill and Artillery Ridge, peek at the site of Johnson's Ranch from the access road - and check out Kozlowski's Stage Stop, too.

For me personally, the view from Sharpshooter's Ridge overlooking Pigeon's Ranch and the approach of the 7th TX on the far flank is one of my all time favorite vistas.

This also gives you a vantage point to peek over at the old Siler property where the confederate mass grave was discovered in '87.

When you head back to Santa Fe - check out the CW burials at the National Cemetery - also consider checking out Dumont Maps and Books on San Francisco Street… the man always has an awesome collection of single/unbound OR plates perfect for framing, so you can spare your complete atlas from mutilation if your looking for wall art!

I also heartily recommend swinging by the Governor's Palace portal if you enjoy Kewa beadwork or need some custom Pueblo/Navajo silversmithing work.

The Pantry in Santa Fe was still slinging the best breakfast, dinner and supper too! (I verified three times this last trip…)

Other 'best' eateries in Santa Fe:

La Choza
El Chile Toreado
El Parasol
Tia Sophia's

The Shed is great for a 'touristy' place as well.

Above all - 'Red, Green, or Christmas?' should be the most difficult question you answer on a NM vacation!



I'll live and die on the ranch in Texas… but the misses and I are heavily considering a parcel on Glorieta or Rowe Mesa for yearly retreats.

Typical Texans retreat to Colorado for vacation… I'll take New Mexico every single time.

Here is where you and I part ways, Even though I build most of my trips around the CW, when it comes to this part of the country, I gravitate to Durango/Silverton train, Chaco Canyon and Mesa Verde. Even when I was stationed at Clovis, these were my priorities. The only reason I got these photos was because of short detour between ABQ and Durango.