Fort Craig: Preserving Important History of the Old West

“We want to bring the visitor back in time to when the fort was in its prime — full of bustle, full of life, and to make the visitor aware of its unique history here in New Mexico, as well as its part in Civil War History.”

Cordova also notes that while the Battle of Glorieta Pass, is commonly recognized, there is less awareness about the major battle that occurred earlier, nor the prominence of Fort Craig during that period. Fort Craig stood as one of the most significant and well-regarded forts in the region at the time.

Fort Craig, the Largest Fort in the Southwest

Established in 1854, Fort Craig replaced a previous fortification overwhelmed by floods. Built on elevated terrain, this expansive stronghold covered 40 acres, featuring a complex of 22 buildings. These included living quarters for officers and enlisted men, supply and food depots, stables, a medical facility, an ordinance depot, and a merchant’s shop.

It was fortified with earthworks and a protective trench, with a stone guardhouse and a narrow sally port as the sole entry point, allowing only one wagon at a time.

Safeguarding El Camino Real

Fort Craig’s primary role was to safeguard travelers and settlers along El Camino Real , particularly at the Jornada del Muerto’s northern stretch. It served as a defense against Apache raids, outlaw attacks, and Mexican revolutionaries, ensuring the safety and stability of the region.

Halting the Confederate Advance Toward California

In July 1861, following the initial clashes of the Civil War in the eastern states, Fort Craig had amassed over 2,000 troops, making it the largest fort in the Southwest. The U.S. government was determined to block Texas Confederates from exploiting New Mexico as a route to California’s gold mines and essential Pacific ports, both critical resources for the Confederate States of America.

Fort Stockpiled for Siege

Prior to the war, the U.S. Army had built two bomb-proof commissary structures, each capable of storing up to 100,000 pounds of rice. In February 1862, Confederate General Henry Hopkins Sibley, commanding 2,500 troops, advanced towards the fort, intending to seize its substantial provisions. Sibley and Fort Craig’s commander, Colonel Edward Canby, were both West Point alumni and related through marriage to cousins.

Union’s Ingenious Defense Strategy

The Union forces cleverly utilized Quaker guns — fake wooden cannons — and strategically placed empty soldiers’ caps among real artillery and troops. This facade of impenetrable defenses deterred Sibley from a direct attack. Consequently, the Confederates altered their strategy, moving north in an attempt to draw the Union soldiers out of Fort Craig.

Confrontation at Valverde

Following the U.S. Army’s pursuit, the two sides clashed at Valverde, a location six miles north. The Confederates emerged victorious on the battlefield, yet their lack of supplies prevented them from securing a decisive triumph. The conflict resulted in approximately 200 Confederate and 263 Union casualties. This victory was short-lived as Sibley’s forces faced defeat at the Battle of Glorieta Pass near Santa Fe, leading to their eventual withdrawal to Texas, never to challenge New Mexico again.

Adapting Post-Civil War

With the Civil War’s end, the U.S. military refocused on subjugating the Apaches, led by Geronimo, Victorio, and Nana. These leaders and their forces were adept at guerrilla warfare, consistently thwarting military strategies. The overwhelming wave of American settlers — including ranchers, miners, farmers, and others — gradually depleted the resources vital to the Indigenous populations. The gradual encroachment of these settlers achieved what military action alone could not. Victorio’s demise occurred in Tres Castillos, Mexico in 1880, and by

Fort Craig’s Final Chapter

Fort Craig was officially decommissioned in 1885 and sold off at an auction in 1894. Archaeological digs in the 1930s unearthed its past, leading to its recognition on the National Register of Historic Places in 1970. Eventually, the site came under the stewardship of the Archaeological Conservancy and was passed to the Bureau of Land Management in 1981, earmarked for special management.

PLIA’s Interactive Reconstruction Initiative

“PLIA’s goal is to design a virtual interpretive program with a 3-D reconstruction model of the fort,” Cordova says. “It will be hands-on and interactive, with a three-part mini docuseries, providing information about the fort’s historical significance.”

The existing model/diorama will be moved to a museum in Socorro where it will continue to inform and provide educational value. “The new virtual model,” she adds, “will be programed into a touchscreen computer kiosk unit which will give the visitor center a fresh and updated look.”

The project kicked off in collaboration with New Mexico Records and Archives, delving into historic site plans, photographs, and maps. “Based on this information and with the help of a Civil War consultant,” Cordova says, “our graphic design team began work on the digital reconstruction of the fort.

The virtual model will include all aspects of the fort with minute details, such as dirt textures, trees, cannons, the mast, carts, and other aspects of fort life that is virtually identical to that of what Fort Craig would have looked like while it was operating during the Civil War.”

Emphasizing Indigenous Perspectives in Fort Craig’s Story

“We feel it’s important to shed light on all sides of the story, including those of New Mexico’s Indigenous population,” Cordova says. “For far too long, history has only been told by the victor, erasing stories of Indigenous people.”

 It is PLIA’s goal to strengthen government-to-government relationships with sovereign Tribal nations through actively coordinating with nearby reservations and pueblos. “This will ensure cultural and historical content is accurate and respectful,” she continues, “and grant tribes the opportunity to share their own perspective on the history of the area.”

Supporting the Fort Craig Virtual Reconstruction Effort

PLIA invites support for their Fort Craig initiatives, which are integral to creating a comprehensive, engaging, and meticulously researched exhibit at this significant New Mexico Civil War site. Contributions to PLIA will aid in delivering this advanced interpretive experience. For donations and further information, PLIA’s website offers all the necessary details.

Plan Your Visit to Fort Craig

Fort Craig welcomes visitors at its center from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Thursday through Monday, while it remains closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Visitors can enjoy a self-guided interpretive trail and picnic area, which are accessible seven days a week from 8 a.m. until one hour before sunset. There are no admission fees for visiting the fort.

How to Get to Fort Craig

Located approximately 35 miles south of Socorro, Fort Craig is accessible via multiple routes. For those coming from the north, take I-25 to the San Marcial exit, head east across the Interstate, then continue south on Highway 1. Visitors approaching from the south should take the I-25 exit at mile marker 115 and then proceed north on Highway 1. Directional signs will assist in guiding you to Fort Craig.