fort stanton

Don't usually enjoy the military monuments. This one's different. It has the military history for those who like that. It has a long hospital history, lots of buildings to walk around inside, lots to see, and even some uniforms to try on. All for FREE. There are even working stables with docile horses that came up to visit us. The volunteers are super friendly. They could be more knowledgeable. But to be fair to them, we ask the weird tough questions that usually require some digging. There is a ton of hiking in the area, but if you're hungry, find food in the surrounding towns as you pass them. You're in no man's land (my favorite land).

Watch the movie on the Ft. to get a feel for the place. Makes a nice day with a stop at Lincoln. Lots of authentic old west history. Lots of room to run around, so kids would enjoy the day along with the adults.

I wasn't aware that this fort existed. The place has an interesting history, beautiful grounds in breathtaking country. Recommended!

Charming little compound dating back to Civil War times. Lots of local and national history encompassed in a defined area. A little out of the way, but scenic, historic and worth the trip.

This is an old fort that has been used for multiple purposes over the years. The museum was nice, and gave a lot of information about the history of the fort. Most of the buildings you can not enter, but the barracks is open to the public. It does have a few displays in it as well. Not a bad place to walk around and get some good photos.

FS is a short drive from Ruidoso. It is rich in history. The main museum is well-preserved and the video is informative. Most of the buildings are in severe need for renovation. Overall, two hours is more than enough, but an important visit and an easy way day trip from Ruidoso. Note: This is a great place to stop enroute to or from Lincoln State Monument. Plan your trip well and avoid the dirt road that google maps may send you on, E007.

Spent a wonderful afternoon here with my son, strolling the grounds and exploring the various buildings and chapel that were open to the public. Tremendous history and beautiful grounds. Several building styles can been seen in this one quad from a traditional adobe to a more moden 1980's rebuilding of the cafeteria. Fantastc place for photographers. Nice large gift shop with great assortment of books and souvineers. One building offered an area where you could dress up in various period costumes. Many of the buildings are in various stages or reconstruction and building, and all areas may not be safe for small children as we say projects in progress and powertools etc throughout with no one in attendance. We enjoed a facination stroll through history inside and out, and only wish we had had more time to go to the cemetary and explore more of the grounds. Free admition too.

Though only a couple of the buildings are occupied, one as a museum the rest of the buildings are visible and grass areas are kept clear.

We stumbled onto Fort Stanton on a day when we picnicked at the Smokey Bear Historical Park in Capitan and drove through Lincoln (but did not stop). It has a varied and interesting history, and brought back memories for my husband who was raised in a military family. The visitors' center has a good short video, a helpful volunteer, a good gift shop and interesting old photos. Only sorry we did not have the time (or energy) to explore more of the buildings surrounding the old parade ground. I hope that the site can continue to be enhanced and preserved. (Because it was used for other purposes up until 2008, it is in better shape than many old buildings in these parts.) Driving New Mexico Route 220 from Highway 380 back toward Ruidoso is also a beautiful stretch of highway.

Looking for a place we'd not previously visited, we selected this state park for its historical importance. This place has benefited from its stone construction, so has not fallen down as many others have. Dating from the mid-19th century, until today, it has served many uses, including housing WWII German detainees. A very good visitor center depicts the different phases of its existence, and reenactments occur from time to time.

The fort is gigantic! Old ladies, like me, & young kids can't cover it.For its size, it is amazingly well maintained by volunteers.Personally, I question the doctrine of "Manifest Destiny" which said that my Anglo Saxon ancestors had sole rights all the way to the Pacific. And I still appreciate the fighting skills & tenacity of the Mescalero Apache who appear to now have more of their ancestoral lands than any other Western tribe.They were the real reason Ft Stanton was built.Every year they have Ft Stanton Live with reinactments, performances & numerous other attractions. I missed it this year. Was still busy moving into New Mexico.Will be here next year.

Much history with this old fort; built first by the Union Army, occupied by the Confederates, back to the Union, Indian Reservation, Hospital for the Merchant Marine, WWII Detention Center, Woman's Correctional Facility, now a historical site worth the time to visit. First see the short video covering the forts past, talk to the excellent museum staff who are volunteers. Then take a stroll through the area. We think you really enjoy.

A very interesting place to stop. The volunteer staff at the museum was very friendly, and knowledgeable. You can tell they enjoyed what they were doing. I was impressed with the displays and short video to get familiar with the Fort and its history. There was so much history here, really enjoyed our visit!

This is a very interesting fort as it was used until recently and used for many purposes. I thoroughly enjoyed the museum and the buildings. Staffed by volunteers. The very informed volunteers are working hard to build furniture to furnish the barracks authentically. Worth a trip.

I have been there before, so this was a second visit. Just as wonderful the second time around. The docent who took our group ( Back Country Horsemen of NM) meet us on his horse at the parade ground. We started our tour of the buildings and learned just how many different types of venues the grounds were used for. Several of the buildings that were closed before, are open. Work is being done to restore and return the buildings to their former glory. Riding the area trails from the BLM equestrian facility is a huge plus. You can visit many more of the area's attractions by riding the trails behind the fort. Cemeteries, old barracks, the petroglyphs, and many more.