Fort Union National Monument - Watrous, New Mexico

Address:Watrous, New Mexico
Tel: (505) 425-8025

Make a stop along the Santa Fe Trail! Fort Union is a magnificent piece of Americana and a must for all history buffs! Established in 1851 as the guardian of the Santa Fe Trail, Fort Union has a 40 year history as a military garrison, territorial arsenal, and military supply depot for the southwest. One of three different forts constructed close together, the 3rd Fort Union was the largest in the Southwest.

Today, Fort Union is a great family getaway and has plenty for everyone to enjoy. The summer brings classic tumbleweeds along with living history talks on topics such as muskets, women on the frontier, the infantry, the cavalry, Fort Union and the Civil War, and the Santa Fe Trail. There are also weekend demonstrations and guided tours for larger groups. The crumbling red adobe ruins are stunning against the bright blue sky backdrop and provide hours of exploration for kids and adults alike. Outdoorsy types will love the 1.6 mile self-guided interpretive hiking trail as well as the organized, short interpretive talks and walks. Be sure to bring plenty of water, your imagination and approximately 2 hours to take it all in at Fort Union National Monument!

It's easy to get to the Monument—just take exit 366 off of Interstate 25. Follow the signs to Fort Union National Monument, eight miles off the interstate on New Mexico SR 161. You'll have a great time acting like a pioneer on the southwestern frontier—yee haw!