Trippin' Again: Fort Stanton brings history to life

Editor's note: As we begin to see COVID-19 in our rear-view mirrors, travelers are cautiously returning to the roads. This series offers destination options for eastern New Mexico-area residents looking to get away for a few days.

FORT STANTON - Tales of war and westward expansion ring true in various school books and communities. Many learn of things from the past, unable to see and experience it for themselves. However, Fort Stanton Historic Site is a unique museum where history comes to life in front of its visitors' eyes.

Fort Stanton was built in 1855 by the 1st Dragoon and the 3rd and 8th Infantry Regiments of the Army. It was established as a military base against the Mescalero Apaches. This 12-building parade ground has preserved much of New Mexico's history and looks just about the same as it did in the 1800s. It is one of the best preserved 19th-century military forts and is the best preserved fort in New Mexico.

The 240-acre site holds over 160 years of history. Fort Stanton has borne witness to westward expansion, the lawless days of Billy the Kid and the Lincoln County War, the tuberculosis epidemic that peaked in the 1920s, the New Deal-era Civilian Conservation Corps, and the internment of German sailors during World War II.

Transforming from its original purpose as a soldiers' barracks, Fort Stanton was converted to an administrative building for the Public Health Service during the hospital era. Now, this same building serves as a museum with various exhibits and interpretive content.

Fort Stanton Historic Site is more than a live action museum. With it being surrounded by the Lincoln National Forest, even nature comes alive in the wake of history.

Fort Stanton-Snowy River Cave National Conservation Area is 25,080 acres that is overseen and protected by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). This area was established by Congress in 2009 and now offers various forms of recreational activity. There are 100 miles of multi-use trails for hiking, horseback riding, and biking.

Within the National Conservation Area lies the Fort Stanton Cave. It is the second longest cave in New Mexico, 10th longest in the U.S., and the 48th longest in the world. With 40.15 miles, it seems as though the cave offers endless explorations. There are also two formal camping areas: Rob Jaggers Campground and Cave Campground.

What's new:

In October of 2019, six miles were formally mapped, and surveyed in the Fort Stanton Cave. Officials said 59 volunteers were on board throughout this 10-day process. The volunteers were involved in reconnaissance, restoration, data logging, and surveying over five miles in the new Captain Caverns Complex section.

Paranormal activity:

Whether you believe in ghosts or not, many memorable moments have been experienced on the grounds of this site. During the first week of November 2019, cameras were rolling on Fort Stanton for season two / episode three of A&E's Ghost Hunters. You can watch it online.

Where is it:

The historic site is 176 miles southwest of Clovis, about a three-hour drive. The address is 104 Kit Carson Road, Fort Stanton, NM 88323; between Lincoln and Capitan.

Hours and admission:

Fort Stanton is open Thursday through Monday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., when admission is free. The site is closed Tuesday and Wednesday.

After dark:

Many visit the museum during normal hours, but few have the courage to visit after dark. This special event is conducted in the months of June and October. Rangers, historians, and the Paranormal Society greet and accompany visitors during this experience. The cost is $10 for each person over 12. Kids 12 and under get in free.

More information:

Visit their website at http://www.fortstanton.org/information or visit their facebook page: Fort Stanton Garrison