If Walls Could Talk - Fort Union is a photograph by Susan Rissi Tregoning which was uploaded on September 29th, 2021.
If Walls Could Talk - Fort Union
An adobe wall in the Fort Union Mechanic’s Corral is all that remains standing. In the center is an arched doorway to nowhere with old wagon wheels... more
Title
If Walls Could Talk - Fort Union
Artist
Susan Rissi Tregoning
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
An adobe wall in the Fort Union Mechanic’s Corral is all that remains standing. In the center is an arched doorway to nowhere with old wagon wheels on either side. Over 70 civilian employees, mostly carpenters and blacksmiths, worked in this area of the fort repairing broken wheels, damaged wagons, and worn out harnesses.
After the Mexican American War, Fort Union was built where the two main branches of the Santa Fe Trail met. The fort provided a military stronghold in the southwest, protected travelers on the trail, and was the frontier supply hub.
Fort Union was the largest fort west of the Mississippi River. The original fort was established here in 1851. It was replaced two more times, with each fort being stronger, larger, and better than the last. Unfortunately, the fort was no longer needed and abandoned in 1891 when the railroad came through.
Located near Watrous, New Mexico, Fort Union National Monument was established in 1954 to preserve this important piece of American history. Today, the fort is nothing more than ruins. Braces hold what remains of the adobe walls and chimneys upright.
Copyright 2021 Susan Rissi Tregoning
Uploaded
September 29th, 2021
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