Memorial Day is for honoring and mourning the military personnel who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Morgen and I grabbed my Mother-in-law, some Buckhorn to go, and headed to Fort Craig to honor all the men who fought for control of the fort. It was a short 32.7-mile drive from the Buckhorn.
The fort had very few people there so we had nothing to worry about with current concerns.
Little fort background:
On February 21, 1862, Union troops led by Colonel Edward Canby and the Confederate Army of New Mexico led by Brigadier General Sibley first met at the Battle of Valverde, a crossing of the Rio Grande just north of Fort Craig. Both sides took heavy casualties during the battle. The Confederates held the field of battle, however, the Union still held Fort Craig.
After the war, Buffalo Soldiers staffed the fort, helping to protect settlers against Indian raids. "Buffalo Soldier," was the nickname American Indians gave to black troops in the U.S. Army. By 1885, the fort was abandoned.
A couple hints... it is hot. There is no shade around the fort. Wear a hat, bring sunscreen and water. There are two covered picnic tables and very clean bathrooms!
Need more information..get it here: https://www.blm.gov/visit/fort-craig-historic-site
PHONE: 575-835-0412
LONGITUDE 33.63497917, -107.0161389
DIRECTIONS: Fort Craig is about 35 miles south of Socorro. Take a nice drive down Highway 1 from the Buckhorn, then follow the signs to Fort Craig.
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). (If traveling on I-25 from the south, take exit 115.)
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