Fort Union: 19th-Century Adobe Legacy on Santa Fe Trail

Fort Union

National Monument

Welcome!

Exposed to wind, within a sweeping valley of short grass prairie, amid the swales of the Santa Fe Trail, lie the territorial-style adobe remnants of the region’s largest 1800s military fort. Between 1851 and 1891, Fort Union acted as an agent of political and cultural change throughout the Southwest.

Stories from Fort Union

With short walks and special events, experience the beauty and history of this historic New Mexico site. Ranger-guided tours and talks are offered daily, enriching any visit to this beautiful landscape.

Dark Skies, Bright Stars Update: Since this post’s publication, more of our partner parks have earned the designation of International Dark Sky Park. To date, more than 40 NPS units have earned the...
Shop Online

Bring the Park Home

Your purchases support the parks. When you can’t get to a national park for a visit, experience it from the comfort of your home. WNPA’s online store is packed with ranger-approved park collectibles, books, toys, and clothing. Shop for a special item to commemorate a trip, share a memory with a nature lover or park enthusiast, or represent your favorite national parks.

Banner Image

Explore More National Parks

David Kroese, author of “The Centennial: A Journey Through America’s National Park System,” reveals the hidden gems of the National Park System with Western National Parks Association’s regional program manager, Caroline Lochner. “The Centennial: A Journey Through America’s National Park System” details David’s compelling explorations of 387 national parks in 360 days. The story continues through December 2017, when he becomes one of fewer than fifty people known to have visited all 417 national parks. Experience the inherent marvels within America’s unique landscape and fascinating history, revealed in engaging context, poetic descriptions, and heartfelt appreciation. This book is available for purchase from http://store.wnpa.org.

Since our founding in 1938

WNPA has provided more than

$147 million

in aid to our partner parks to fund educational programs, initiatives, and scientific research

Kids in Parks

National parks are places where kids can dream up great adventures! Taking in amazing scenery. Testing out new skills. Exploring places kids may have only heard about. But most importantly, creating new memories with friends and family.

Our public lands are our public commons. They belong to all of us as part of our natural and cultural heritage. They remind us of a larger world that has existed long before the arrival of humans and will survive long after we are gone. –Terry Tempest Williams, Author & Conservationist