I had seen signs on Interstate-25 mentioning 'Jornado del Muerto' and I had no idea what it was. The manager was so knowledgeable and took the time to answer all my questions. However, if you look west from the parking area, you can still see the ruins and the tall structure that looks like the mast of a ship which is remnants of the flagpole designed to tolerate the high winds in the area. Like the road from the parking area it is gravel and not easily accessible for a wheelchair. A trail leads to the ruins off the back of the visitor center where there is also a small picnic area. Wood, fixtures and anything that could be salvaged were removed to be used elsewhere.Īll that remains today are the crumbling ruins of the weathered adobe walls. After the end of the Indian raids and with the opening of the railroads, the fort was abandoned. The fort served mainly to protect travelers and settlers in the area and later railroad crews. There are even artifacts on display from the excavation that was done there. The exhibits are very good with info on many facets of life there.

There is a 10 minute film in the visitor center which explains the purpose of the fort and why one officer's wife described life there as 'tedium to the extreme'. The parking lot is a ways from the visitor and a gravel path which could be hard for a wheelchair or stroller to navigate leads to the VC. I recommend this highly.I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Fort Selden located just off Interstate-25 at exit 19 north of Las Cruces. The park's ranger is absolutely great and will be delighted to answer questions.

And please, do as they ask, stay on the s dangerous not to. There's a good bit of walking involved if you wish to see the ruins. The museum is loaded with antiquities that have been found there, along with a couple of brass cannon, and memorabilia photos. I did not see food offered on the premises. Bring an umbrella for shade, you'll need it, sunscreen, water and snacks for children or diabetics. per adult with varying fees for groups and children. The legendary Buffalo Soldiers manned this fort, and later General Douglas MacArthur's family were stationed here when he was a young boy. While today its very peaceful and in near ruin, it was an impressive part of the history of the area running high to despair and boredom with occasional interludes of Indian battles and raids. It is part of the El Camino Real trail, near the Rio Grande River. While there are no bells or whistles and there is a moderate amount of walking, this site holds a lot of truth to the Old West. This historic site is a must see for anyone traveling in New Mexico on I-25 going through Radium Springs. Many people over time have lived, traveled and camped in this rugged and unforgiving area. The historic El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro (the Royal Road to the Interior) runs through this cultural site. The rangers can answer any questions.īe sure to visit this gem just off Interstate 25. Parasols are also available for the walking tour. Bring a picnic-there's a shaded pavillion available. Take note of the wildlife and plants that call this region of New Mexico home. Walk and reflect among the quiet fort ruins and appreciate the desert environment. You can make your own adobe bricks for a souvenir. Mogollon pottery, soldier uniforms, maps, and other artifacts are displayed.Īdobe preservation is a big part of Fort Selden maintenance.

The visitor center has some fascinating items, including a baby shoe that may have been worn by Douglas MacArthur. The US government established the fort in 1865 to bring peace to a region of conflict and lawlessness. There's a walking tour that reviews more than 1400 years of history, starting with the Mogollon people (400-1300 AD). Wow-so glad I stopped on a recent afternoon.

Radium springs nm