Fort Union was built by Lt. Col. Edwin V. Sumner and his men in 1851 as a protector of the Santa Fe Trail. It was the third fort to be built in this remote part of New Mexico, and the largest ever built in the American southwest. The fort is in ruins today but has been stabilized and there is a very nice visitor center with museum exhibits that tell the story of the fort and the Santa Fe Trail.The Santa Fe Trail was essentially an international commercial wagon road leading from Missouri to Santa Fe, New Mexico. It was in use from 1821 until 1880, when the railroad reached Santa Fe and the trail and fort were abandoned.
A 1.6 mile self-guided interpretative trail with numerous exhibits, takes visitors through the ruins of the old fort and grounds. When I was at Fort Union with my son, Chris, we especially enjoyed walking across the arid prairie in the actual wagon ruts of the old trail which remain to this day.
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