More New Mexico history

While we were in south central New Mexico, we enjoyed learning more about the area. We paid a visit to nearby Fort Stanton, considered one of the most intact 19th century military forts in the country. Surrounded by the Lincoln National Forest, this 240 acre site with its large parade ground is an interesting place to spend a mild fall afternoon exploring the past.

Named for Captain Henry W. Stanton, who was killed in a skirmish with the Apaches, it was built in 1855 by soldiers of the 1st Dragoon as well as the 3rd and 8th Infantry Regiments to serve as a base of operations against the Mescalero Apache Indians. Closed by the Army in 1896 when the Mescalero Apaches were settled on a reservation nearby, it was reopened three years later by the US Public Health Service as a tubercular hospital for the Merchant Marines and served in this capacity until 1953.

During the Great Depression, it was also home to a Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) work camp. Then it shifted to become an internment site for German merchant seaman and POWs. It briefly had Japanese internees and served as a refuge for Japanese-American families threatened by mobs in their hometowns. 

In later years, it became a state hospital for the developmentally handicapped from the 1960s until 1995. A nonprofit was created in 1997 to save Fort Stanton when it was set to be demolished, and it is now managed by the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs. The fort more recently partnered with the Bureau of Land Management, offering nearly 100 miles of trials for hiking, biking, horseback riding and camping to outdoor enthusiasts.

Our friend pointed out that the fire hydrants at Fort Stanton come from our hometown in Texas.

Speaking of Apaches and their reservation, we made a visit to the nearby Inn of the Mountain Gods casino to make a donation. Many moons ago when our kids were in elementary and middle school, we spent a long weekend with the husband's extended family in Ruidoso for some skiing and visited the casino one evening. I'm not a big gambler, but I enjoy people watching. It's like the bus stop or airport - you see a little bit of everything. I committed to my usual $20 for the slots, cashing out when it got to $36. I chose the Wurstfest machine since it's that time of year. Prost!