Fort Union National Monument
The ruins of a nineteenth century U.S. army fort. A harbinger of change in the region, the fort was a distribution hub for many of the smaller forts throughout the southwest, supplying the American military while it enforced its will on Native Americans. Later, a earthworks star fort was constructed on site to defend against confederate soldiers during the civil war. A one mile long trail winds through the remaining adobe-style walls of the old fort.
While much of the structure is gone, enough remains of the barracks and officers’ housing to offer a glimpse into what life might have been like for a soldier in the late 1800s. Ruts from freight wagons pulled by oxen along the Santa Fe Trail, a trade route from western Missouri to Santa Fe, can be found throughout the area.
One of the more accessible national monuments, Fort Union is only seven miles off of I-25 along NM-161 (exit 366). Fort Union is a fee free park.
