Places

Drawing of brown fort buildings on flat plain in front of tree-covered mesa
The First Fort Union, 1851 - 1861

Green wood and green troops: The army's first outpost in New Mexico outside of Santa Fe.

Photo of earthworks surmounted by flagpole
The Second Fort Union, 1862 - 1865

The Rebels are coming! A hastily built earthen fort to defend the new territory of New Mexico.

adobe buildings with rainbow in background
The Third Fort Union, 1866 - 1891

Agent of Change: This imposing complex of adobe buildings laid out on the prairie re-made society in the Southwest.

cluster of buildings seen from high point
The Fort Union Arsenal

The Fort Union Arsenal supplied arms and ammunition to forts around the Southwest for nearly 30 years.

Drawing of star-shaped earthen fort with eight points and tents inside and wagons outside
How the Star Fort Got Its Shape

The second Fort Union, also known as the star fort, was built as a classic defensive structure, very different from typical frontier forts.

Last updated: February 27, 2021

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

PO Box 127
Watrous, NM 87753

Phone:

505-425-8025 x1

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