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Fort Stanton was established on the Bonito
River in 1855 to protect area settlers and
settlements. The Fort was named for Captain
Henry Stanton who was killed near the site of the
future garrison on January 19, 1855 during a
pursuit of Mescalero Apaches suspected of
stealing sheep from a nearby rancher. The
construction of the garrison took several years to
complete as infantry, dragoons, and volunteers
were often called away to action while structural
work took place. The isolation of southern New
Mexico combined with a lack of roads
connecting supply lines further hampered
construction, and therein created a need to work
closely with the local population to supply food,
labor and materials to soldiers. The relationship
between Fort Stanton and nearby settlers was
set in motion early on, and increased in scope
and importance over the next 41 years.
The mission of the Fort changed substantially from its opening in 1855 to its closure in 1896. Initially tasked to protect settlers and property, and to enforce treaties with nearby native tribes that were intended to establish peace and ownership of land. The military mission of Fort Stanton evolved with both local need, national policy, and growing settlement within the region. Following the creation of the Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation in 1873, responsibilities at Fort Stanton included the distribution of food and supplies to the Mescalero people, while protecting both settlers and Indians from raiding parties on both sides as well outside bandits and rustlers.
Outbreaks of violence between settlers over political and business issues brought military intervention as well, especially during the Lincoln County War where Colonel Nathan Dudley ordered the occupation of Lincoln for a brief period of time.
Following the surrenders of Apache Chiefs Geronimo and Victorio, which had stirred some members of the Mescalero Apaches to leave the reservation and join the resistance to reservation life in the 1880s, the military mission and need for Fort Stanton waned.
The mission of the Fort changed substantially from its opening in 1855 to its closure in 1896. Initially tasked to protect settlers and property, and to enforce treaties with nearby native tribes that were intended to establish peace and ownership of land. The military mission of Fort Stanton evolved with both local need, national policy, and growing settlement within the region. Following the creation of the Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation in 1873, responsibilities at Fort Stanton included the distribution of food and supplies to the Mescalero people, while protecting both settlers and Indians from raiding parties on both sides as well outside bandits and rustlers.
Outbreaks of violence between settlers over political and business issues brought military intervention as well, especially during the Lincoln County War where Colonel Nathan Dudley ordered the occupation of Lincoln for a brief period of time.
Following the surrenders of Apache Chiefs Geronimo and Victorio, which had stirred some members of the Mescalero Apaches to leave the reservation and join the resistance to reservation life in the 1880s, the military mission and need for Fort Stanton waned.
To Arrange Tours
Call 575.336.1436
Call 575.336.1436
FORT STANTON: HISTORY
OF A NEW MEXICO CAVALRY POST
DVD - $10
All proceeds going to the preservation of the Fort
To order by mail send a check to
Fort Stanton, Inc. for $15 (an additional $5 for shipping and handling)
To: Fort Stanton, Inc
PO Box 587,Alto, NM 88312
OF A NEW MEXICO CAVALRY POST
DVD - $10
All proceeds going to the preservation of the Fort
To order by mail send a check to
Fort Stanton, Inc. for $15 (an additional $5 for shipping and handling)
To: Fort Stanton, Inc
PO Box 587,Alto, NM 88312
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