Last updated: January 13, 2023
Place
Fort Selden Historic Site
Quick Facts
Location:
Radium Springs, New Mexico (13 miles north of Las Cruces, NM)
Significance:
Established in 1865 in an effort to bring peace to south central New Mexico Territory.
Designation:
New Mexico Historic Site; certified site
MANAGED BY:
Amenities
1 listed
Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits
Fort Selden was established in 1865 in an effort to bring peace to south central New Mexico Territory. Built on the banks of the Rio Grande, this adobe fort housed units of the US Army's infantry and cavalry. Their intent was to protect settlers and travelers in the Mesilla Valley and along El Camino Real from desperados and Apache Indians. The fort remained active until 1891, five years after Geronimo's capture and six years after the completion of a railroad paralleling the Rio Grande relegated El Camino Real to obsolescence.
The stories Fort Selden holds and its historic significance as a late-19th century Army fort continue to fascinate visitors who wish to connect to El Camino Real, U.S. military history and the West’s captivating frontier past. Designated as a New Mexico State Monument in 1974, Fort Selden is now under the umbrella of the Museum of New Mexico, which preserves it as a state historic site with an onsite visitor center featuring exhibitions and living history demonstrations on frontier and military life.
Site Information
Location (Radium Springs, New Mexico (13 miles north of Las Cruces, NM))
Available Facilities/Exhibits
Today the stark adobe brick walls of the frontier post evoke a feeling of personal connection to the past. A visitor center at the monument offers exhibits on frontier military life during the fort's heyday. Living history demonstrations of 19th-century military life highlight most weekends during the summer.