Fort Union was the largest military fort in the 19th century in the American Southwest. It was established in 1851 to protect the Santa Fe Trail and lasted for 40 years. The fort was actually three different forts with the third and last fort being the largest of the three.
Fort Union acted as a military supply depot, military garrison and territorial arsenal for the entire region.
Besides the remains of the fort, visitors can also see Santa Fe Trail ruts.
Historical Marker Inscription
Once the largest post in the Southwest, Fort Union was established to control the Jicarilla Apaches and Utes, to protect the Santa Fe Trail, and to serve as a supply depot for other New Mexico forts. The arrival of the railroad and the pacification of the region led to its abandonment in 1891.
Location
35° 44′ N, 105° 2.717′ W.
Traveling North on Interstate 25, Mile Marker 360, near Las Vegas, New Mexico
Historical Markers of the World 