Fort Stanton Historic Site — Attraction in Ruidoso

Fort Stanton is one of the most intact 19th Century forts, 1855-1896, in America, with the primary role of protecting Hispanic settlers from Mescalero Apache raids.

When the fort was no longer needed, it was transitioned to the first federal tubercular sanatorium. There are several buildings open with excellent exhibits covering most time periods, except the late period when it became a mental health hospital and mid-1980s womens' prison. The Fort has thus been in continual service from 1855 to now.

Visitors can self guide through the Fort, or attend one of two daily ranger-led tours. As a living history volunteer, in the 2bd Saturday of each month, I conduct tours to the German Internment Camp or the Post Cemetery, and have Visitors join me in raising and lowering the Colors, 19th Century style.

There are trails that go to the original Post Cemetery, and a 1930s CCC camp that in WWII was expanded to house non-combatant German civilian crew members from the cruise ship Columbus. Their story is also told in the Visitor Center, and while they were not POWs as many people very erroneously insist they were, they were in their camp longer than any of the actual POW camps.

It does cost a nominal entrance fee, but worth...

I've visited 3 times, the first was essentially an accident, just touring the byways near Ruidoso, NM. The second trip was to expose my daughter to the rich history found here, and at the nearby Merchant Marine / Ft. Stanton cemetery. The third trip should illustrate my love for this place. In the spring of 2015, our yearly school trip made Fort Stanton a stopping point on our 5 day trip, this year traveling from Texas to Mesa Verde in southwestern Colorado.

The Merchant Marine cemetery is open to the public, with the chained gate intended only to stop vehicles from driving in, and the Fort itself is very well restored. Many of the original structures are open for visitors to tour, including, barracks, officer quarters, stables, and a chapel.

So as not to mention any "spoilers", I'll just say that Fort Stanton has had no less than three historically interesting lives. It is very much worth the trip, even if you only visit the small museum /...

In the early 70's my first World Class cave exploration occurred close to Fort Stanton. As was a sinkhole entry name also. Changed to Snowy River. With additional cave entry protection. The 2,000 of knee crawl I experienced so long ago remains. As does present cave cartography and exploration. It's surveyed more than 40 miles under NM. . Within prior visited expanse I first heard other cave visitors tell me, "Save yourself. We're all not going to get out of here alive." National Speleological Society members then present, including myself, did not abandon humanity. That day WE THE PEOPLE emerged safely as a one body. That's a value I respect in USA caves...