1st Fort Tours September 24

Date: September 14, 2011
Contact: Ron Harvey, 505-425-8025

1^st Fort Union and Arsenal Tours

On Saturday, September 24, 2010 Fort Union National Monument presents its annual First Fort Tours. Constructed in 1851, Fort Union established a permanent military presence in the area to protect trade and traffic on the Santa Fe Trail, and for the protection of the people in the nearby townships and communities. During the tours, historical experts and rangers will share stories of original founding members of the fort and the challenges and sacrifices they faced to help to shape the military, historical, and cultural landscape of the Santé Fe Trail and the New Mexico Territory. The one hour tours are at 10:00am, 11:30am, 1:00pm, and 2:30pm. Plan to arrive at the visitor center at least 15 minutes before each scheduled tour. Visitors will be escorted via car caravan to the First Fort before the start of each program. Expect moderate walking and standing on uneven dirt surfaces. Accommodations for handicap accessibility at this site are limited. Visitors are encouraged to dress comfortably, wear a hat and sunscreen, and bring water.

For more information call 505-425-8025 or visit the park website at www.nps.gov/foun. Fort Union National Monument is located 28 miles north of Las Vegas, NM., exit 366 off I-25 at Watrous, drive 8 miles on NM 161.