September 20 2014 First Fort and Arsenal Tours

Date: September 11, 2014

Release Date: September 10, 2014

Contact: Lorenzo Vigil, 505-425-8025 X 226

First Fort and Arsenal Tours, September 20, 2014

Watrous, NM: Fort Union National Monument announces its First Fort and Arsenal Tours on September 20. The public may visit the site of the original fort, and see the remnants of Fort Union's arsenal, which was crucial in keeping the army of the Southwest supplied with arms and munitions. Special focus will highlight the Red River War of 1874, as well Fort Union's impact on the Red River War, and other events during the Indian Wars period. "These special programs highlight the Indian Wars period of Fort Union and the impacts to American Indians", said Superintendent Charles Strickfaden, "We invite the public to bring out the whole family and learn more about these important events that shaped the American Southwest."

Join a ranger for guided programs at 9:00am, 10:30 am, 12:15 pm, and 2:00 pm. Visitors and park staff will meet at the Visitor Center 15 minutes prior to the program time, then caravan out to the First Fort site. This program is brought to you in partnership with the Fort Union Ranch. Visitors should wear sturdy walking shoes and a hat, as well as bring sunblock, snacks and water.
Fort Union (1851-1891) was the largest frontier military post and supply center of the southwest. The National Park Service preserves and protects this historic Fort Union and ruts of the Santa Fe Trail. To visit the monument, take Exit 366 off I-25 at Watrous, NM onto State Hwy. 161, 8 miles. For more information and a complete schedule of events, contact Fort Union National Monument at [phone], or visit www.nps.gov/foun.You can find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FortUnionNM.