What clients say about Fort Stanton Historic Site in Fort Stanton (NM)
A truly amazing plaxe to visit as one of the best examples of mid-late 19th century military forts in New Mexico still around. The history is incredible and the grounds are amazing and the staff is very knowledgable and friendly. We spoke to Steve and Oliver and learned a great deal about the establishment. We can't wait to go back!
Only $5. This is an Historical Military Post. The Post is now in ruins. They are continually trying to save what is left. Small museum, with a lot of history. You have to see it to understand. I enjoyed the history,and the tour.They offer umbrella to shade you from the sun?
Fort Stanton offers an impressive experience. The visitor center provides ample parking, and the staff are exceptionally helpful, offering a wealth of information and a comprehensive guide map. The resources and accommodations surpass those of many other New Mexico forts.
A recommended highlight is the 11-minute film detailing the fort's history. This informative movie reveals that Fort Stanton served as New Mexico's first German internment camp during WWII. (It's worth noting, from personal family history, that another German internment camp existed near Carlsbad, NM.)
The fort itself is remarkably well-preserved, featuring brick and rock structures that remained in continuous use until the early 2000s. Three buildings particularly stand out for me: the new hospital, which houses equipment from the 1940s, and the Barracks/Dining hall, so authentically arranged that it transports visitors to the mid-to-late 1800s when the fort functioned as a military post. Finally, The Catholic Chapel is remarkably well-preserved, appearing as if a mass has just concluded. Overall, Fort Stanton Historic Park is an exceptionally worthwhile destination.
So much history at this one place! The varied uses through the years make a visit very enjoyable. Many of the buildings have fallen into disrepair, but restoration is ongoing and the completed areas are great!
If you are a history buff this is a place for you. Army fort in the 1800's. Tuberculosis sanitarium in the early 1900's. Drug rehab facility more recently. Adjacent to a federal veterans cemetery with its own history. It's quiet and peaceful.
Interesting array of different archtecture thru the ages it was actively being used from 1855. It's been a tuberculosis hospital, POW camp, and of course, a US Calvary fort. Many buildings are open to walk through.
while on vacation, we discovered there was going to be an event here with reenactments, indigenous native dancing and music!
we had decided to do a day date while also getting to see the beautiful scenery.
great job btw to the organizers!
So much history!! Goft shop!! The ribbon cutting to the nurses quartes was today!! It was so cool!! Especially since my ancestors were associated to this place!!! Food and drinks are sold!!
Excellent Museum and historic site. Several of the buildings you can walk through and see how the soldiers and occupants lived from the time period that this fort was occupied. You go through the hospital their barracks, the dining hall. There was a lot of incredible history here that I was not aware of please do yourself a favor and spend some time walking around the grounds reading the different signs on the grounds. It was a $7 fee to go through everything, if you are a veteran it is free. What a great place hidden away in the mountains, very very cool
Fascinating place that gives lots of information about how the place in New Mexico has provided for the people of NM ,even used as a hospital, sanitarium, prison, fort, marine cemetery
Great historic fort. Unfortunately it was Closed when we were there but we could still look around the buildings and the grounds. Close to numerous other historic areas.
Great piece of American history. There is a fantastic small museum and then several original buildings to walk through. They are in various stages of reconstruction, with some returned to almost original states, some representing the tuberculosis hospital stage and some still ravaged by time and various construction phases.
We stumbled across this site while looking for a hike. Its a fantastic place that is working hard to save history. We ended up spending almost 3 hours walking around, going into the open buildings, and the visitors center. The museum and visitors center is really well done and the volunteers a wealth of information. Ended up doing the cemetery hike which was lovely. About 2.5 miles long
An immensely well kept and preserved historic site with original buildings from years past, some that still show the passage of time. Although I arrived late and was unable to do a full tour of the place, it was interesting to see the buildings, the barracks, officers quarters, medical area, etc and felt like you took a leap back in time.
Very cool place to go check out. A ton of history at this fort. We really enjoyed being able to walk into some of the buildings and see exhibits that took you back in time.
The fort does a great job at telling the history, along with pictures and pieces to help with the visual including trying on old uniforms and ringing the church bell. Inside the museum there is a little gift shop and you can watch a 10 minute video telling the history of the fort and the area.
$7/person with kids under 16 free. This is definitely worth going to see if you are in the area. Restrooms on site as well with benches scattered throughout the fort.
I didn't actually take the tour yet because I stumbled upon this by accident. It's the sort of place I like to research before I go through but I did snag some pictures of the area. I'll update this review when I go back. Insta = @jordankreationz for more pics.
Fort Stanton has some of the most beautiful architecture. They have added collage type slide shows in a few of the rooms that show historic pictures from those rooms. One of the medical buildings has beautiful art hanging in the hallways. If you are a NM resident you can enter for Free on the first Sunday of the month. Other times it is $7 for an adult.
A must see if you are in the area. Especially the chapel, that was my favorite building! This fort holds alot of history. Start with the video so you understand some of the building descriptions.
Surprisingly its still standing. Given it was established in 1855, I thought it would have been just one building and the foundations of several others but the Fort was kept active for several decades after its military use. Most of the fortbis in disrepair but they are working to improve it. Definitely worth a quick stop if your on the Billy the Kid tour of the area.
There are certainly some very interesting stories to be told here. Hopefully the opportunity will come that this old fort can be brought back to life and that people will come to learn from it. Also there are some interesting points to go hiking which I did not get a chance to do on this visit, but would definitely return at another time to explore.
Love the history of this Fort, and the Veterans cemetery, where my husband is buried, is a testimonial to those who have served our country throughout history. I pray that others feel the same and donate to preserve this historical site.
Very informative museum. They let go in the hospital just down stairs. We been to hospital Haunted tour 3yrs ago. Was Scary but would to take the tour again.
An amazing attraction with multiple phases of history! Started as an Army fort with multiple famous people stationed there including Black Jack Pershing and Kit Carson. Eventually transitioned to a POW camp for Germans on WWII and a TB hospital. Had several other purposes before becoming a museum. Well worth the visit, definitely stop by!
Really enjoyed walking around the grounds! The church is beautiful, as is the setting. The exhibits are really great, far surpassed my expectations. Very nice staff.
I really enjoy visiting Fort Stanton. They let you watch a movie at the beginning of the tour and they explain you the best way to enjoy the tour. Lots of history. They have an area to buy souvenirs. Not far from Ruidoso, NM and the scenery is beautiful.
Great Fort. You could spend hours here if you read everything and went into the buildings. Short movie at the park if you have time, about 15 minutes long.
Outstanding historical site offering the visitor over a 150 years of history on the varied eras of Fort Stanton. A great place to just enjoy the scenic natural and cultural beauty of this location. By far, the staff are awesome, Larry, Kenny, John and the rest of the staff are awesome. Steve from the Cooperating Association and his volunteers are wonderful and great stakeholders in the entire operation. Come travel back in time and discover this gem of New Mexico history.
Very enjoyable visit. Nice visitor center and nice grounds. There are many historic buildings to visit. The buildings all have very good signage and are very informative. The drive from Ruidoso to the fort is also very scenic and not very long. A good place to spend a few hours and learn about the local military history.
