Fort Union National Monument

National Park Service, New Mexico.

Exposed to the wind, within a sweeping valley of short grass prairie, and along the eroded Santa Fe Trail, lie the adobe walled ruins of the largest 19th century military fort in the region. From 1851 to 1891, Fort Union functioned as an agent of change, desired or not, in the New Mexico Territory and throughout the Southwest.

Nearby Activities

  • Historic & Cultural Site

Directions

Fort Union National Monument is located in the Northeastern portion of the state of New Mexico. 8 miles off of Interstate I-25 on State Highway NM 161. New Mexico: From Albuquerque (156 miles), Santa Fe (94 miles) or Las Vegas, NM (28 miles) take I-25 North, exit 366 at Watrous, 8 miles on NM 161. Colorado: From Denver (313 miles), Colorado Springs (243 miles) or Raton (95 miles) take I-25 South, exit 366 at Watrous, 8 miles on NM 161.

Additional Information

  • Fort Union National Monument Official Website
  • Fort Union National Monument Map

Photo Gallery

  • Big Skies Over Officers RowBlue skies and billowing clouds frequently add to the incredible viewshed that surrounds the monument grounds.
  • Freezing Fog in Mechanics CorralOne of the most photographed areas of the monument, the Mechanics Corral onced serviced wagons that travelled along the Santa Fe Trail.
  • Sunflower in Enlisted BarracksLocated deep within the Mora Valley, Fort Union National Monument contains a vast array of plant and animal life.
  • Remnants of the PastLocated on the monument grounds is the world's largest collection of Territorial-Style adobe remanants.
  • Fort Union NM Visitor CenterCompleted in 1960, the Visitor Center at Fort Union was one of the first built during the "MIssion 66" program for the National Park Service. It was designed by the internationally known architect Cecil Doty.

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