Fort Union National Monument

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Panorama of Officers Row
Blue skies and billowing clouds frequently add to the incredible viewshed that surrounds the monument grounds.
Wagons encrusted in frost
One of the most photographed areas of the monument, the Mechanics Corral onced serviced wagons that travelled along the Santa Fe Trail.
Sunflower in Enlisted Barracks
Located deep within the Mora Valley, Fort Union National Monument contains a vast array of plant and animal life.
Moon in sky above adobe remnants
Located on the monument grounds is the world's largest collection of Territorial-Style adobe remanants.
Fort Union Visitor Center Sign
Completed in 1960, the Visitor Center at Fort Union was one of the first built during the "MIssion 66" program for the National Park Service. It was designed by the internationally known architect Cecil Doty.
Photos: National Park Service

About Fort Union National Monument

Exposed to the wind, within a sweeping valley of short grass prairie, and along the eroded Santa Fe Trail, lie the adobe walled ruins of the largest 19th century military fort in the region. From 1851 to 1891, Fort Union functioned as an agent of change, desired or not, in the New Mexico Territory and throughout the Southwest.

Quick Facts

State New Mexico
Designation National Monument
State Code NM
Weather Fort Union is situated at 6,760 feet above sea level. Daytime temperatures between June and September may exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Winter temperatures often drop below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures…

Location & Map

Fort Union National Monument is located in New Mexico.

Operating Hours

The monument grounds and visitor center are generally open 7 days a week, from 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM. The monument is closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year's Day.

Wednesday 8:00AM - 4:00PM
Monday 8:00AM - 4:00PM
Thursday 8:00AM - 4:00PM
Sunday 8:00AM - 4:00PM
Tuesday 8:00AM - 4:00PM
Friday 8:00AM - 4:00PM
Saturday 8:00AM - 4:00PM

Activities

Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Walking Living History Historic Weapons Demonstration Junior Ranger Program Shopping Bookstore and Park Store

Getting There

Fort Union National Monument is located in the Northeastern portion of the state of New Mexico. 8 miles off of Interstate I-25 on State Highway NM 161. New Mexico: From Albuquerque (156 miles), Santa Fe (94 miles) or Las Vegas, NM (28 miles) take I-25 North, exit 366 at Watrous, 8 miles on NM 161. Colorado: From Denver (313 miles), Colorado Springs (243 miles) or Raton (95 miles) take I-25 South, exit 366 at Watrous, 8 miles on NM 161.

View Official Directions

Contact & Address

Address 3115 NM Highway 161, Watrous, NM, 87753
Phone 505-425-8025
Email foun_information@nps.gov

Topics & Themes

Archeology Ruins Forts Hispanic American Heritage Medicine Hospital Military US Army Wars and Conflicts Indian and Frontier Wars Civil War Westward Expansion

Visitor Centers

Fort Union National Monument Visitor Center

The Visitor Center is currently open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Handicapped parking spaces for standard sized vehicles are available in the Visitor Center parking…

Hours: The Visitor Center and monument grounds are open: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM CLOSED - Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year's Day

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