Fort Union National Monument preserves the remains of a major 19th-century military post in northeastern New Mexico. Set among the open short-grass prairie of Mora County, the site contains extensive adobe ruins, earthworks, archaeological remains, and visible wagon ruts from the historic Santa Fe Trail.
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| Fort Union National Monument, New Mexico |
Established in 1851, Fort Union served as an important military and supply center along the Santa Fe Trail. During its 40-year history, three different forts were constructed at the site, with the final Fort Union operating from 1862 until 1891.
Why Visit Fort Union National Monument?
The monument offers a remarkable opportunity to see the remains of the largest frontier fort in the Southwest. The preserved adobe walls and open landscape provide a strong sense of the scale and setting of the historic military post.
Visitors can also see sections of the Santa Fe Trail, including wagon ruts that remain visible across the surrounding prairie. The trail was an important corridor for commerce, travel, and military movement between the United States and New Mexico.
Quick Facts
- Location: Mora County, New Mexico, USA
- Established: 1851
- National Monument: Established in 1954
- Historic trail: Santa Fe Trail
- Fort history: Three forts were constructed at the site
- Landscape: Short-grass prairie
- Main features: Adobe ruins, earthworks, archaeological remains, and wagon ruts
- Nearest community: Watrous, New Mexico
Three Forts at Fort Union
Fort Union developed through three separate periods of construction. The first fort operated from 1851 to 1861. A second fort, known as the Star Fort, was built in 1861 and operated until 1862. The third and final Fort Union was established in 1862 and remained active until 1891.
The preserved remains of the third fort include extensive adobe structures that represent the largest and best-preserved remains within the monument. The site also preserves the remains of the arsenal and other important buildings associated with the fort's military and logistical functions.
Fort Union and the Santa Fe Trail
Fort Union commanded the intersection of the Mountain and Cimarron branches of the Santa Fe Trail. Its strategic position made it an important supply depot and military post for the Southwest. During the Civil War period, the fort also played a significant role in protecting the territory from Confederate invasion.
Visiting Fort Union
Fort Union National Monument is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. year-round, except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. There is currently no entrance fee.
The monument is located about eight miles from Interstate 25 via NM Highway 161, near Watrous. Walking trails allow visitors to explore the historic ruins and surrounding landscape.