Glorieta Battlefield-North Loop

The view of the Pigeon's Ranch area from Windmill Hill, with Glorieta Mesa to the right.

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

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Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Parking - Auto, Picnic Table, Toilet - Vault/Composting, Trailhead

The North Loop of the Glorieta Battlefield Hiking Trail takes you along the area where Federal forces set their defensive lines. The trail takes you up Windmill Hill, an important location in the initial phase of the battle on March 28th, 1862. 

Early on the morning of March 28th, soldiers under the command of Major John Chivington detached from the main Federal force on a planned flanking maneuver. This reduced the overall strength of the Union forces ahead of the engagement on Windmill Hill. The rest of the Union forces under Colonel Slough set up a skirmishing line along Windmill Hill, supported by a defensive line and artillery on Artillery Hill to the south.

From Windmill Hill, Confederate forces quickly pushed the Federals back to Artillery Hill. Union Mountain Howitzers positioned on Artillery Hill gave the location its name, and provided an obstacle for Confederate forces hoping to break the Federal defense a second time. Texas Volunteers under the command of Major Henry Raguet launched a flanking attack which forced the Union to withdraw to a final position near Pigeon's Ranch, at the cost of Raguet's life.

The initial phase on the third day of the Battle of Glorieta Pass was over.