(nr Watrous NM) Fort Union was established in 1851 at the convergence of the Mountain and Cimarron Cut-off branches of the Santa Fe Trail. For 50 years, the largest fort in the southwest, served travelers, settlers, and traders along that important trade route. Built right after the War with Mexico, it played a critical role […]
(Lake Valley NM) The former mining town of Lake Valley had one of the richest and purest silver lodes of its time. A solid block of ore allowed them to simply saw off a slab and then send it to the smelter. Known as the Bridal Chamber, it was a one-of-a-kind discovery. The town’s population, […]
(Radium Springs NM) Visited Fort Selden State Monument which was built near the Rio Grande in 1865. It’s primary mission was to protect settlers from hostile Mescalero Apaches. Troops also escorted wagons going to Las Cruces to the south, and to Deming further west. Positioned along the Camino Real trade route, it also served as […]