History of New Mexico / Fort Craig

Traveling through New Mexico can be a lot of fun if you're looking for historic old military outposts. The history of New Mexico is one of military conquest.

Ruins of Commanding Officers Quarters

Beginning with the Spaniards and followed by the Mexicans and then finally the Americans, New Mexico is a treasure trove of historic old military forts.

The Fort Craig Ruins

One very interesting site that Western Trips had the opportunity to visit is old Fort Craig. Today Fort Craig is a National Historic Site which was taken over by the BLM in 1981. The site consists of a Visitors Center and the ruins of the once large and proud military fort. The fort was named in honor of Captain Louis S. Craig who was murdered by deserters in California in 1852.

Fort Craig, established in 1854, was one of the largest and most important frontier forts in the West. Fort Craig had a significant role in both the Indian campaigns in the southwest as well as during the American Civil War. The Fort was home to the Buffalo Soldiers of the 9th Cavalry and 38th and 125th Infantry. The Hispanic New Mexico Volunteers and New Mexico Militia also served at Fort Craig. Fort Craig also saw the presence of Kit Carson who called Taos New Mexico home. 

Ruins of Guard House and Sally Port

The site of Fort Craig New Mexico is very near the Rio Grande as well as adjacent to the site of the Battle of Valverde. The fort was built along the strategic road between Mexico and New Mexico. This road traveled generally along the Rio Grande. This was also the route taken by Confederate forces, mostly Texans, during the Civil War in their attempt to capture New Mexico Territory. 

Fort Craig and the Battle of Valverde

To understand the role of Fort Craig you want to know about the Battle of Valverde which did result in a Confederate victory. Colonel. E.R.S. Canby, assisted by a contingent of New Mexico volunteers commanded by Kit Carson, engaged the Confederates at a nearby crossing of the Rio Grande. The Confederate invaders who were referred to as the Confederate Army of New Mexco were led by Brigadier General Henry H. Sibley. An interesting side note is that this is the same Henry H. Sibley who invented the Sibley Stove. If your travels take you to Fort Stockton Texas you can view an authentic Sibley Stove on display at the Fort Stockton Museum.

Diagram of Battle of Valverde site

The Battle of Valverde took place on February 21, 1862 and lasted the entire day. This represented a big victory for the Confederates and they did move northward from there to capture both Albuquerque and Santa Fe. After the Battle of Valverde the Union troops involved retreated back to Fort Craig which was not attacked. The Battle of Valverde is considered the largest Civil War battle in the southwest. The battle site is about seven miles north northeast of the fort and on the east side of the Rio Grande.

Eventually, Sibley and his forces were defeated further north at the historic Battle of Glorieta Pass located just to the east of Santa Fe along the old Santa Fe Trail. The ultimate goal of the Confederates was to attempt to capture Fort Union further north and the Colorado gold fields further north yet. Stopping this Confederate advance was why the Battle of Glorieta Pass was so significant for the Union.

The New Mexico Indian Campaign

Troops stationed at Fort Craig New Mexico Territory were involved in campaigns against Apache leaders such as Geronimo, Victorio and Nana. The southwest was the battle ground during the Apache Wars and Fort Craig played a large part. The Apache tribes in the area of the fort consisted of the Gila and Mimbres Apaches and the campaign took place from 1863 through 1865. This of course was the same period that the Civil War was going on.

Ruins of fort Store House

When the Indian Wars eventually died down the fort, like many others throughout the old west, was deactivated. This occurred in 1885. Today, the tourist can enjoy a short walking trail and view the ruins which are described on placards.

The links below are to additional Western Trips photo articles you'll find interesting. 

The Fort Selden New Mexico Ruins

A Visit to Historic Messila New Mexico

Fort Union New Mexico on the Santa Fe Trail

Fort Garland in Southern Colorado
  

Visiting Fort Craig National Historic Site

Fort Craig is located just to the east of Interstate 25 about 44 miles south of Socorro New Mexico and on the west side of the Rio Grande. From the north, take I-25 to the San Marcial exit, then east over the Interstate, and south on old Highway 1 (about 11 miles). Then follow the signs to Fort Craig. (If traveling on I-25 from the south, take exit 115.) The fort is to the east of  NM 1, which parallels the freeway thru some lovely scenery and towns, and will also take you to the entrance of Bosque Apache Wildlife area and the turnoff to the El Camino Real Museum.

After stopping at the Visitors Center where you'll view artifacts and a model of the old fort layout you'll want to walk on the trail which winds among the fort ruins. The Fort Craig walking tour is very informative and well laid out with resting areas along the way.

The walking trail at Fort Craig is named the Marion Cox Grinstead Historical Trail. Marion Cox Grinstead is well known for her literary work including Destiny at Valverde: The Life and Death of Alexander McRae.

During the summer months you'll want to take water along with you on the hike. Restrooms are available in the Visitors Center.

(Content and photos copyright Western Trips)



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Springerville Arizona

Springerville Arizona was settled in 1879 and grew all around a trading post owned by a man named Henry Springer. It wasn't uncommon for western settlements to grow from trading post sites. The town is located in the Round Valley of northeastern Arizona.

Casa Malpais Museum, Springerville, AZ

Springerville's early industry revolved around cattle and sheep ranching. If your road trip takes you through this scenic part of Arizona a stop at Springerville is well worth your time. The town which sits at an elevation of 7,000 feet is located at the junction of US 60 and State Highways 180 and 191.

Springerville's Ranching History

Springerville's ranching history is a colorful one. If you've heard about the famous Magdalena Cattle Trail, Springerville Arizona resided at the western end. This was a cattle trail that ran all the way from Springerville Arizona to Socorro New Mexico and the rail lines there. The Magdalena Trail through New Mexico had the same importance as the Chisholm Trail and the Goodnight-Loving Trail which both originated in Texas.

The Magdalena Trail is also called the "Magdalena Stock Driveway". This cattle trail was a designation of land by the federal government for allowing enough area for ranchers to drive their herd to the rail heads. In several places the driveway could extend five to ten miles in width. This large area allowed ample forage for the herd. This land was open range. No fences whatsoever.

Furnishings in the Renee Donnet exhibit

Springerville Arizona's Lady Rancher

Another interesting piece of ranching history involving Springerville Arizona has to do with a lady by the name of Mrs. Renee Donnet. Born in France and able to speak five languages, Mrs. Donnet, who was raised to be a pianist, came from a prominent European family. Many questioned how a woman from this background could end up being one of the world's largest ranchers. In fact, most of her friends thought her Arizona adventures were temporary and that she would eventually return to either New York or Paris. Neither occurred.

Mrs. Donnet's first husband was an heir to the Sears-Roebuck fortune. In that marriage she was given the choice of residing in either Chicago or Philadelphia. The marriage ended in divorce. Her second marriage was to a surgeon by the name of Dr. J.V. Donnet. Donnet had cattle interests in Arizona and practiced in a Phoenix hospital. 

When you visit Springerville Arizona you'll want to stop by two very interesting museums. These museums will give you an excellent picture of the ranching industry that was so big to the area as well as a glimpse of the life and career of Mrs. Renee Donnet.

Donnet Steinway Grand Piano

Mrs. Renee Donnet died in Switzerland in 1969. She had been away from Springerville for some twenty years. Mrs. Donnet's ranching career had begun during 1940 and 1941. The first ranch purchased was the A-K Ranch near Arlington Arizona. Then it was the Fry Ranch outside of Tucson. Next was the White Mountain Hereford Ranch and then the Cowden Ranch. Mrs. Donnet purchased four different ranches in Arizona totaling about 70,000 acres. In addition to this she operated grape and sheep farms in southern France.

After her death the then Mrs. Renee Cushman willed her furnishings and artwork collection to the local Latter-day Saints Church. The exhibit at the Casa Malpais Museum which is explained below came from that collection.

The Casa Malpais Museum

In downtown Springerville you'll want to stop by the Casa Malpais Museum. The museum features ancient artifacts excavated from the ancient ancestral pueblo. The museum features pots, projectile points, jewelry, stone tools, books and interactive media. You'll also want to view their short film regarding the Springerville area.

Artwork outside Casa Malpais Museum

 In the Casa Malpais Museum you'll also be able to view many pieces of furnishing and artwork donated by Mrs. Donnet. You'll view some very interesting European art which was part of the Donnet collection. Some of the antique furniture is the work of master craftsmen, with elaborate inlays of wood, metal, and tortoise shell. The exhibit also features a beautiful 1922 Steinway grand piano once owned by Mrs. Donnet. The Donnet exhibit is found in two rooms of the complex. This museum is located at 418 E. Main Street.

The Little House Museum

Located just a few miles west of Springerville Arizona is the Little House Museum. The museum is located on the X Diamond & MLY Ranch. This two story museum features exhibits about both ranching and pioneer life. Along with this the Little House Museum also exhibits a rare collection of automatic musical instruments. At his site tours to archaeological digs and petroglyphs are also available. The X Diamond Ranch is located off of Arizona Highway 260 about a ten mile drive west of Springerville.

Museum's Butterfly collection

Another very interestingstop to make in Springerville is to one of the twelve Madonna of the Trail monuments created by sculptor August Leimbach. Starting in 1927, the German sculptor Leimbach placed one monument in twelve different towns in the U.S. The Springerville Arizona monument is across from the Post Office on Main Street.

August Leimbach with his sculptures marked the national Old Trails Highway from Maryland to California. Each of the statues were dedicated during the years 1928 and 1929.




Below are two links to more Western Trips photo articles you may enjoy.

A Visit to Winslow Arizona

The Theodore Roosevelt Indian Boarding School

Visiting Springerville Arizona

One thing to recognize when visiting Springerville Arizona is it's proximity to the White Mountains and the recreational opportunities there. The Sunrise Ski Resort is also located in Apache County and is about a 27 mile drive southwest of town via AZ Hwy 260 and 273.

Round Valley Courthouse, Springerville, AZ

One of Arizona's top tourist areas is the Pinetop-Lakeside locale in the White Mountains. Pinetop-Lakeside is about 44 miles to the west of Springerville. Pinetop-Lakeside is surrounded by the beauty of the White Mountains, the Apache/Sitgreaves National Forest and the White Mountain Apache Indian Reservation. Hiking, biking, horseback riding, hunting and fishing are all popular Arizona tourism recreational activities in this Ponderosa Pine area of Arizona.

Another very interesting site to add to your trip planner in this part of Arizona is Fort Apache. Located about 63 miles southwest of Springerville, Fort Apache features a Native American museum, several very historic structures from the fort's operational years as well as buildings of the Theodore Roosevelt Indian Boarding School which was established there in the 1920's. The school still functions today.
 

(Content and photos copyright Western Trips)

 

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