fort bayard national historic landmark

My friend and I went late in the afternoon hoping to have good light for photography - we weren't disappointed. History at its finest, especially if you like old abandoned buildings.

The post goes back to the 1800s, and the more modern buildings are just the way they were when the fort was closed, other than a little weathering. There are several good explanatory signs near the most important buildings, and tours are offered at times.One big part that you must see is the military cemetery adjacent to the old base. The headstones go back to the Buffalo Soldier era, and the setting of the cemetery is very pretty and peaceful. It is nicely maintained.The old VA hospital has been left as it was, and an ultramodern one was built on the south side of the base.

Unfortunately we were not there on tour day so we felt a little lost. The old buildings seemed sad, the historic society is trying to preserve Fort Bayard, I think? It is beautiful and quiet, and we felt very mindful of the Buffalo Soldiers who manned the Fort during the Apache wars. We spent time in the cemetery walking among the graves. I loved the oldest sections the best, but was disappointed that there were no dates on the graves. However, like the cemetery at Fort Huachuca, they put some interesting descriptions on some of the graves..."civilian", "employee", "ship's cook" (we couldn't figure that one out standing there in te desert). On the way out we saw a "deer crossing" sign, and right there, slowly walking between buildings was a deer! I hope the group trying to preserve this place is successful, I would love to see it further restored!

we spent several hours Thursday morning, touring the museum, which is one of the big three story officers houses. I've now been here 4 or 5 times in the last few years and enjoy just wandering around, looking at the old buildings and infrastructure. sometimes if you contact them, they can give tours at other times than Saturdays. keep in mind this is all volunteer, and these people spend a lot of there time, trying to save the fort, FOR US. if you go, and enjoy it, consider becoming a member. there are quite a number of other things to see in the silver city area, gila national forest, and glenwood area. there is also a nice military cemetery, which at the present time has a fair amount of construction going on.

We came here on our way to hike the Wood Haul trail which is a couple miles past Fort Bayard. We enjoyed the guided tour which they have at 9:30 on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month. The tour guide was great and really helped us understand how the place evolved over time. The tour took us just over an hour and then we went on to look at the museum and national cemetary.

I moved to Ft. Bayard with my family in 1976. My Dad was a Doctor there for 25 years. There are a lot of wonderful things that I remember. The climate was near perfect. We had more of winter than summer. I lived in the last 3 story house before you turn left to go to the National Cemetery. All the homes were heated by steam in radiators. The steam plant, if still there, was located in a field when you pass the first set of cottages upon entry to Ft. Bayard. No air conditioning was needed since the summers were never intolerable. A family member had to work for the hospital in order to live on the grounds. Through out the years we discovered things about our house, such as, half way up the main staircase there is a closet, my Mom and I pried up some floorboards in the closet and found another stairway. Apparently it led from the basement to the third floor, and was used by the maids as they were not allowed to be in the main house.The Fort itself was great for exploring. From the old dish dump, creek bed with a manmade rock waterfall and ruins from buildings from the past. There are a few places that most people do not know about, because the destinations are a pretty good hike through the back side of Ft. Bayard. They are both on the same route starting behind the National Cemetery. One is the Old Wood Haul Wagon Ruts (#55) Trail Mule. This is where oxen drawn wagons were used to haul the heavy loads of wood and fuel from Pinos Altos Mountains. Over time the hard wagon wheels cut into the volcanic cap rock forming the ruts. This hike is about 12 miles. If you want a shorter hike the Big Tree I hope it is still there. The Big Juniper Tree is nationally ranked as the second largest alligator Juniper Tree. Its diameter is 70.2 in, circumference is 18 ft. 4 in, crown spread is 62 ft., and height is 63 ft. I hate that Ft. Bayard is deteriorating, but I am thankful that I got to see and live there when it was still inhabitable. Go visit this place before its gone. Stefani Merrett Ray

Been staying in Pinos Altos and decided to take the Fort Bayard Tour. Had a wonderful guide,,an "old timer", who really knew his stuff. It was a wonderful tour. Fort Bauard has had quite a history, from a Fort just after the Civil War through the "Indian Wars", to a hospital setting for soldiers with TB, so a VA center. Very interesting history, the Museum is also a must see. $3 each for the tour, which lasted 2 1/2 hours. Mostly outside. Dogs ok, if on leash (a definite plus for us)

I came here with my mom and adult daughter. Initially we came to see where my grandfather worked as a cook or cooks helper at the veterans hospital . This was back in the mid-1920's. He often told the story about cooking a bunch of cauliflower. The dietitian had explicit instructions to never season the food. Well, this bunch of cauliflower had black mites show up after it was cooked and since there was nothing else to fix, the grandpa sprinkled pepper over it to hide the mite. The dietitian was not happy about the "pepper." We arrived on a Wednesday and were the only ones around. We drove and walked around. Lots of history. We also visited the National Cemetery.

We stumbled on this wonderful treasure of a National Historic Park our first weekend in Silver City, and, in the past month, it's been a place we've returned to many times. The history is fascinating, but, really, if you want to feel what it might be like to wander through an abandoned town as the last person on Earth, this is one place to do it. The buildings are in a beautiful state of decomposition (can you hear the partially unhinged screen door banging on the doorframe in a strong wind?), and one wonders how much upkeep is necessary to protect/maintain all of these abandoned homes, the hospital, theater... it's a complete town, really. And it's quiet... a place where the sense of history is tangible. Also, it's a wonderful place for an after-dinner stroll!

my first two visits, last year, i was not able to tour the museum, but in december i was able to get a guided tour, which was great. the museum is a restored 3 story officers house, with period furnishings and many exibits of the forts history. the fort and cemetary cover over 400 acres, with lots of old buildings to look at, and walk around. there are also hiking trails. this is not a tourist trap, but a deserted fort, that goes back to civil war times. most of the existing buildings were built in the 20s. besides there saturday tours, you can often contact them for a special tour. website: {http://www.fortbayard.org/index.html }become a member as i am and donate to the cause, as they are trying to save a great piece of southwest history. make a weekend of the silver city[grant county] area, as i do. silver city has a nice museum, the gila cliff dwellings are not far, mining tour, catwalk state park[not entirely open, right now], and many other attractions. if you're looking for a disneyland, this isn't it.

This site is a national historic landmark. This means the site is saved and the buildings are in question. The local historical group has done a wonderful job of restoring the Generals house into a right nice museum. Come if you can to Bayard Days, in September every year. People come from all over the state to celebrate the history and appreciate all the people who have been a part of the Bayard history, including the hospital that helped so many, the Buffalo Soldiers who stayed and trained here and the statue to the first Buffalo Soldier to receive the Congressional medal of honor.

this is a quiet , overlooked piece of history. besides the 1922 milatary hospital building, there are many other buildings and large houses. check their website, for people to contact about tours, otherwise just go and wander around, most buildings are closed, but the last time i was there the old theater was open. the national cemetary is well maintained and sometimes the office is open giving access to bathrooms. there are hiking trails in the area, but i have not been on them. this is located in the silver city and gila cliff dwellings are, also city of rocks is not far. http://fortbayard.org/

We enjoyed our time here - went primarily to hike and enjoyed the bonus of learning the history of the fort. The cemetery is extremely well maintained, and an honor to the vets who are buried there. We drove to the "national recreation trails" at far end of fort - lots of parking and a restroom. Our hike (about 3 3/4 hours) was pleasant and incredibly peaceful. Caution - trails are NOT well marked beyond the trailhead.

This is a special treasure that their historical society is trying very hard to hold on to. It is an excellent place to visit if you love history. There are tours and so much to experience. Words cannot describe the treasures that are there...must see.