TripHip - Travel Tips and Advice for Traveling on a Budget

Fort Garland, named after General John Garland, commander of the Military District of New Mexico, was built in 1858 and saw active service until 1883.

The fort was built to protect settlers in the San Luis Valley, Territory of New Mexico. It had a garrison of over a hundred men.

It's main claim to fame is that Colonel Kit Carson and New Mexico Volunteers were stationed here in 1866, and Carson successfully negotiated a treaty with the Utes in 1867.

The Ninth Cavalry, (Buffalo Soldiers) was stationed here between 1876 and 1879. In 1876, these troops were called to the La Plata region to prevent conflict between the Utes and white prospectors. The following year, they helped remove white settlers from Ute reservation lands.

In 1879, the Ute Indian tribe was subjugated and moved to a reservation, reducing the need for the fort.

The Colorado Historical Society restored the fort and opened the Fort Garland Museum in 1950.

Restored and reconstructed buildings include the adobe Commandant's Quarters, where Kit Carson and his wife once lived, the cavalry barracks with exhibits of Hispanic traditional arts and 19th century transportation artifacts, and officer's quarters. There are permanent exhibits on Kit Carson and the Buffalo Soldiers.

In addition, Pike's Stockade, the reconstructed stockade site where Zebulon Pike raised the American flag in 1807, is located about 45 miles southwest of the fort. (At the time of this writing, the bridge leading to this site is washed out. Call the Historical Society to see if its open, when you plan a visit to this area.)

The Fort Garland Museum and Visitor Center is open year-round. The fort is 25 miles east of Alamosa off US Highway 160.

Hours vary with the seasons, so check out their website to see the opening times.