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Michael has a BA in History & American Studies and an MSc in American History from the University of Edinburgh. He comes from a proud military family and has spent most of his career as an educator in the Middle East and Asia. His passion is travel, and he seizes any opportunity to share his experiences in the most immersive way possible, whether at sea or on the land.

Part of our in-depth series exploring the forts of Apacheria

Picture of Wagon at Fort Union
Photo from NPS

Fort Union was an 1800s fort guarding the Santa Fe Trail. A military museum on the grounds features exhibits/artifacts. In the summer the Living History Portrayal of Frontier Garrison Life features lectures and demonstrations about muskets, women on the frontier, the infantry, the cavalry, Fort Union and the Civil War, and the Santa Fe Trail.

Picture of Ty Dodge at Fort Union
Photo courtesy of Ty Dodge
This is a picture of his great-grandfather, Second Lieutenant Lea Febiger, relaxing in the bachelor's quarters at Fort Union, Indian Territory in the 1880s.

The two main branches of the Santa Fe Trail, the Cimarron Cutoff and the Mountain Branch, joined at Watrous, the site of Fort Union. A significant collection related to Fort Union National Monument is stored at the Western Archaeological and Conservation Center in Tucson; contact Stephanie Rodeffer, 520-670-6501, ext. 252.

Picture of Wagon in Mechanic's Corral at Fort Union
Wagon in Mechanic's Corral
Photo by Harry Frank, Red River, NM

Hours: 8am - 6pm daily (summer); 8am - 5pm daily (winter)
Admission: free
Location: NM 161 (8 miles north of Las Vegas on I-25)
Fort Union, NM 87753
Phone: 505-425-8025
Fax: 505-454-1155
Address: P. O. Box 127
Fort Union, NM 87753

Picture of Post Hospital at Fort Union
Post Hospital
Photo by Harry Frank, Red River, NM

Special Programs: Living History Portrayal of Frontier Garrison Life (summers), self-guided trail with audio stations, outdoor interpretive programs (summers), guided tours (pre-arranged)

Handicap Accessible: Yes

Picture of Fort Union

Nearby Points of Interest

Museums
Arrowhead Lodge, Pecos, Daily 505-757-8870
Roughrider Museum, Las Vegas, Daily 505-454-1401

Walking Tours
Historic Las Vegas Walking Tour, Year Round, 505-425-8631
Pecos National Historical Park, Year Round, 505-757-6414

Communities and Related Links
Fort Union Web Site

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