The Ruins of Fort Craig and the Forgotten Battle of Valverde Ford
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 21 ส.ค. 2024
- Overlooking the Rio Grande in central New Mexico is the location that was once Fort Craig, an Army outpost built to help control Indian raids, and ended up being the catalyst for the largest land battle to ever take place in the western United States. Nearly 6,000 soldiers took part in this Civil War battle between a mix of Union soldiers and volunteers and a Confederate force intent on capturing the west. Yet, for most people the battle is all but forgotten.
We recently traveled to the Fort Craig Historic Site and explored the ruins and the site of the Battle of Valverde Ford.
Fort Craig is located at 33.63596682141442, -107.01661393123815
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This was so interesting! Civil War battles out here in the Southwest are indeed often overlooked. California gold was vital to the war effort. I appreciate how you include the plaques, and photos/views of the various locations within the fort. The 'then and now' comparisons are great. Sorry to hear that your wife's grandmother has passed. This is a nice way to honor her.
Thank you, we appreciate it.
I used to work in archaeology and historic preservation in New Mexico. I’ve worked on projects in both Fort Craig and Glorieta. I lived in the village of Glorieta in the mid-80s and witnessed an incredible electrical storm while camping at Fort Craig a few years later. Thanks for reviving some great memories for me. And thanks for mentioning the Piro, the Pueblo people who lived along the Río Grande before the Spanish forced them to relocate to El Paso during the Pueblo Revolt of 1680. Their descendants make up the modern Pueblo of Ysleta del Sur, with holdings in and around El Paso today.
My condolences for the passing of your wife’s nana. May her memory be a blessing.
Thanks for your work in helping to preserve our history!
@@SidetrackAdventures My pleasure!
Sounds like an amazing experience
@@brassteeth3355 It was. I was honored and very lucky to have it.
Condolences on the loss of your grandmother-in-law. May the memories of your times together help to heal your hearts.
Thank you for documenting the history of our state, and our country. You just put this place onto my bucket list.
Great video and lesson in our history. Sorry for the loss of your wife's Grandmother may she rest in peace and the family remember her in memories of the good times. Thank you for your videos.
Thank you for watching and for your condolences.
I should be embarrassed to say this, but I just checked on Google Maps & I live 33 miles south of here! Driven by the exit many times always thinking I need to check that place out! Thank you so much for sparking the interest to get there sooner rather than later. Shared this with my adventure friends!
A lovely video to honor you Nana. RIP 🙏
Its definitely worth checking out if you are nearby. We drove north on Old Highway 85 after to San Antonio and that drive was really nice through the wildlife refuge too.
Yeah I live in Truth or Consequences and I haven't taken time to look around either.
I'm an old old dog now. Always loved history of all kinds seriously. There once was a time when I looked at old pictures of folks who seemed very dated in time and very distant in reality. Now I look at those 'young' people and am amazed at how familiar looking they are. and how much they physically remind me visually of folks I have known in life. Suspect we all merge given enough time;. Might be due to 'gravity' if you know what I mean. Makes life's unraleving facinating.
God bless Mama and all the many like her
Attu in Alaska in WWII was also a large land battle in the western United States. My dad fought there. There were several thousand combatants involved with a large Samuri attack. Your video was great!
My grandfather was there too! It feels like that's another forgotten battle! Hoping to go there some day, but the logistics of it isn't easy.
@@SidetrackAdventures I beleive it was the only invasion of our territory in WWII. Yea, just going to Alaska is difficult enough let alone going to the very tip of the Aleutian Chain!
@@SidetrackAdventures You might try contacting the Public Affairs office at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage to see if they have any planned commemoration ceremonies on Attu. Your status as a historical blogger might get you a seat on military or charter flights. Otherwise, some birdwatching groups will sometimes charter a plane there to "bag" some rare species, but it would be expensive.
My great uncle was a NCO at the battle. He never spoke a word about it from what I’m told
Excellent video! I had to think for a brief moment when you mentioned the battle of Valverde Ford. I said to myself huh? Then I remembered, oh, the battle of Valverde! The Union mostly named their battles after the closest body of water and the Confederacy, named after the town or area, ie; Wilson’s Creek/Springfield in MO, Bull Run/Manassas in VA. Of course, there is always exceptions, the battle of Gettysburg being one of them. Anyway, this was excellent, and it brought back memories when I was there close to 30 years ago. I have a passion for the American Civil War, especially the war out west. A very touching remembrance of grandma, who was a fellow traveler.
Yeah, I decided to use the longer name solely because I figured the TH-cam bot or whatever would pull up the video foe either search that way haha. I imagine it probably doesn't look much different than it did 30 years ago.
@@SidetrackAdventures No changes at all since the last time I was there. It makes preserving battlefields easier when there is no urban / suburban sprawl to have to deal with encroaching on these historic sites. I was on a CW in the West tour with my family back in ‘94. Visited those sites that you mentioned in your video. I don’t know if you’ve been to Mesilla, New Mexico? It’s a worthwhile visit to see where the Confederate Arizona Territory capitol was located and where nearby Fort Fillmore came to raise the US flag after the Gadsden Purchase was finalized. Love chasing after history!
@@SidetrackAdventures BTW, the only battlefield I haven’t visited in the southwest is Glorieta Pass. I understand most of it is private property. I think if you go to the Pecos national Park visitor center, they have an interpretive display of the battle and I think there may be a van tour you can take of portions of the battlefield that is in national park trust.
The Confederate (ironically) would name the battles after the local railroad station.
@@christianfreedom-seeker934 True. Offhand I can think of Manassas and Trevilian Station.
I visited Fort Craig, and Glorieta Pass, battlefields in 2015. But the westernmost Civil War battle, a "skirmish", was at Picacho Peak, AZ, located between Phoenix and Tucson.
There was a skirmish west of Picacho at Stanwix (which we just so happen to have a video on). I want to check out Glorietta Pass, but the weather wasn't favorable on this trip.
@@SidetrackAdventures Thanks. I did not know about that incident.
A skirmish alone is not a battle.
My sympathy and prayers for your family. I never knew of this Civil War battle until I first saw Ken Burns' documentary.
My condolences to you and your family for your loss of beloved Grandma.
Fort Churchill, South of Fernley, Nevada, has been restored and includes many museum pieces. A nearby Pre-Civil War home was a Pony Express station in a beautiful and unexpected riparian woodland setting.
I've been wanting to get up there and check it out.
Great video! I remember the first time I learned about Civil War battles occurring out here it kind of blew my mind. Just not something emphasized often especially when you see endless photos of eastern battlefields. Shame that place doesn't get more visitors! Hopefully your video helps change that. 👍 And our condolences on your family's loss.
Yeah, I'm the same way. I think the first time I ever heard of any western battles was when I had stopped at Picacho Peak once and I was thinking "why had no one ever told me about this." It really gives a scope of just how far reaching the war was.
Condolences for your lose from South Carolina. RIP grandma.
Another great and informative video Steve.
Thank you, we appreciate it.
Very nice video. My wife & I visited this Fort a number of years ago while we were traveling the state working to decide where we wanted to retire to. The historical aspect throughout New Mexico is Amazing. Thank you and condolences to you and your family.
Thank you for the great information, there is so much interesting history available. I hadn’t ever heard this story and enjoyed you bringing it to us! Praying for your family!
We love you Nana. Amen. We called our Grandmother Nana too, a terrific person , condolences from my family to yours.
I, too, love your videos and add my condolences to the list. My ears perked up when I heard the name of Gen. Edward R. S. Canby, as he has a minor place in my family's history. As someone else mentioned in the comments, Gen. Canby was killed during negotiations in the Modoc Indian War (and the only Army General to lose his life in all of the Indian Wars). Gen. Canby was killed by a Modoc chief named Captain Jack (Kintpuash). As the army pursued Captain Jack through the lava fields, my great-grandfather was hired to assist because of his knowledge of the area. We have a written personal eye witness account from my great-grandfather of Captain Jack's eventual capture.
Wow, that's really cool and a neat connection. That must be something to read your great grandfather's account too, not only was he an eyewitness to history, but its your family history.
Mt Putnam, have you ever considered making a copy of your great grandfather’s account available for those outside your family? What a treasure…thanks for sharing.
@@marvinspevack8238 If you, or anyone else, is truly interested in my great-grandfather's account of the capture of Captain Jack, it has been published in The Journal of the Shaw Historical Library (volume 1, number 2, Spring 1987). The Shaw Historical Library is located in Klamath Falls, Oregon.
I'm pretty sure Custer was a General, during that time, when he had that skirmish at the end of his life. Am I mistaken?
Since you were at Ft. Craig, I hope you got a chance to go to Bosque del Apache. This time of year the "Blast Off" is one of the more remarkable things I've seen.
I visited the Valverde site some 50 years ago. It was hard to find, and if there was a visitor center, it was either not open or not there. I remember the plaque and being absolutely alone on the Mesa. I’ve visited scores of Civil War sites over the years. My modus is to read up in advance, find a Ranger and pepper them with questions, go on a tour, then stroll by myself reflectively. At Valverde in 1975 there was only the reflective stroll.
Your warmth glows through each video!
thanks for a great historical video. I learned alot about how this was the site of a Civil War battle. Would love to visit this place
If you ever find yourself in the area its worth a stop. Hard to imagine 1000s of people fighting there with how peaceful it is now.
thank you. do want to take a road trip out there from California. visit cousins along the way in Albuqurque!
I just happened across this channel today and I ABSOLUTELY Love it!!! My Dad loved taking us to historical places like this and he would tell us all about the place and what not! like you have!! You tone and the cadence you carry when you're talking about it!! Job ERY WELL DONE!! My Dad would have been proud for you and what you're doing and from what I can see he really would have liked you!! That is the highest compliment I can give someone, and IMHO It's even better than the most silver colored or gold colored plagues or awards that are sometimes given!!! In fact, I am so impressed I'm going to see if I can help find someone/s who can help raise your following!!!
I'm so sorry to hear about Nana. I've sent Love and prayers for an easy crossing for her, she will young again, and healthy, surrounded by SO MUCH love from the LORD, and she will be happy and at piece also surrounded by loved ones who have gone before her! It is absolutely True. Science even proves it.... energy cannot be destroyed it can only change!!! GOD's plan in my opinion!!!
May your wife's grandmother's memory forever be a blessing !!!
When I was 8 years old I ask my grandmother about the Civil War. She replied, my father was in a Rebel Cavalry outfit that fought in New Mexico. Thanks for the amazing video.
Steve, so sorry for your loss. We love how you dig up little known history and where it happened. Keep up the good work we appreciate your hard work. Dick
Thank you.
so sorry for your loss my friend, love what your doing
SORRY FOR YOUR FAMILY'S LOSS STEVE.....I DID NOT KNOW ABOUT THIS BATTLE AND I THANK YOU..MAY GOOD MEMORIES CARRY YOU OVER THE SORROW OF YOUR LOSS..
STAY WELL
Thank you, we appreciate it.
Wow, I never knew about this-thanks for giving it exposure !
Also, please give our condolences to your wife regarding the passing of her grandmother.
Take care and safe travels -we love your videos .
Thank you, i will pass it along to her for sure.
Finally a clash that could be considered a real battle in the west, unlike other "battles" that were just small skirmishes.
Too bad you didn't do more for the location and how to get to the ruins.... Have been to Ft Craig many times, having lived in Socorro, NM while attending college there. Occasionally, some trinkets are found after a large rain or a heavy wind storm that moves the dirt around.... Also, Conrad Hilton was born in San Antonio, NM just a few miles North of Ft Craig, and San Antonio is the home of the famous Owl Bar and their delicious Green Chile Cheeseburgers.......
Wow Steve, you produce outstanding history narratives. I not only learn a lot but want to visit many of the sites you cover. You’d have been an excellent history teacher except you would have been constrained to the curriculum being sold to whatever school it would have been in. This venue is so much more enjoyable and you share the information so well. Sorry to hear about your wife’s Grandmother passing. We all follow the same path. Be proud of the fact that she enjoyed your videos with all of us. That’s something special.
Thank you, I really appreciate it. My dad's a teacher so I probably get it from him.
I was lucky to have had a college graduate student teach a semester of college when I went back to study history as an adult student in 1976, the year of the Colorado Centennial. I decided it was a good time to take Colorado History. Was I ever right! The regular professor had taken a leave and we had the most exciting lectures ever by the fellow who took over! Best history course I ever took.
I loved stopping at Fort Craig! Thank you for sharing, and though it's been a while, so sorry for your loss.
I really liked the way you did this.I want more.The body passes The Spirit is always with us.
Steve you never not amazed me with all you're knowledge about you're video's. Thanks. Ed, My condolences for you and your family loss. ❤.
I recollect seeing Ft Craig several times in the early 1980s. This vid is much more informative. None of that historic stuff was around there or damn little. The ending about Nana was nearly tear jerking. Ya'll were blessed with knowing her. Safe n delightful journeys folks.
Very well done
My family were early settlers in New Mexico some living in Mesilla at that time
I’m from the Lucero family
I had never heard the stories about the confederacy
God bless your Grandma ❤️
Conteúdo histórico que considero fascinante! Excelente! 😊👍🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
That ending while short was beautiful
Took my own side trip to this place one Sunday afternoon recently while temporarily working in El Paso. Surprised by the fact I was the only one there and also very grateful. Truly ignited my imagination and surprised to learn families also lived here with their Soldiers…what a childhood that must have been! Thank you for this video and sorry to hear of the loss of Nana. Just subscribed and looking forward to watching more of your videos!
Thank you for making this very interesting video. And condolences to your family.
As a history buff, I'm surprised and a little ashamed that I have never heard of Ft. Craig and the associated Battle of Valverde Ford.
Thanks for the tour.
My deepest sympathy for you Grandmother.
Another great place to visit in the West is Fort Laramie in Wyoming. It's definitely worth the trip!
You forgot to mention that Kit Carson participated in this battle in charge of the New Mexico volunteers. So, given his experience as an Indian fighter and military guide, even if the lancers HAD come against that group, they likely still would have been routed. Condolences for your loss. Honor her by making more videos she'd love to watch!
Well done narrative and photo presentation. I thoroughly enjoy before/after images, this is what it use to look like, you are standing here type scenarios, your composition and photography is excellent. I cannot believe as much as I enjoy civil war and US calvary history I overlooked this site. During army active duty I spent most time at Fort Sill OK and I’m sure you’re aware of its ties to calvary. Our battalion had a major in headquarters who enjoyed researching Indian and civil war history/sites and presented lectures for battalion officers, of course he was pulled deep into Fort Sill lore and history. My battalion was stationed at White Sands proving grounds for approximately 9 months, the outline and several building of our “outpost” can still be viewed on Google maps near Alamogordo NM. I cannot believe I was that close to Fort Craig and so much history that I overlooked it. Thanks for sharing! BTY if it is accessible to the public White Sand Proving Grounds are worth the visit as well as White Sands National Monument.
We're sorry for your families loss. 😓❤️🙏 It was beautiful to dedicate this video to your Grandmother ❤️❤️❤️
What a great history lesson. Thank you very much. You and your family have my heartfelt prayers at your loss. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Thanks for all the videos Steve. Liked the photo of Nana in the tent doorway.
Thank you Steve, for another interesting history lesson!
Enjoying your videos too. Cheers to Nana. RIP.
In honor of all Nanas the world over, because my sister is the Nana of this house! And the Nana of my youth was is a very important person in my life! She looks like a wonderful woman steve, condolences to you and your wife!!
Been through Craig, Colorado a few times. Named after the same person, maybe? Haven't heard of this battle, thanks, for the enlightenment. My Grandmother was a teacher, and a world traveler, I guess that's where my dad, and I got our wanderlust. Sorry for your family's loss.
Thanks for the video. My Dad would take us to Civil War sites when I was a kid...50+ years ago.
Sorry for your loss
Brother, you truly are a gem. Look forward to all of your videos. Cheers 🥂
Thank you.
Great production. Well done.
Thank you.
Been there, we were the only visitors at that time. The Visitor Center was not open so had to piece together the story on our own. Your presentation filled in many missing pieces. Well done and thank you.
I'm an Australian with some knowledge of the civil war (that didn't come from movies). As a keen lover of history, I greatly appreciated this video.
Your grandmother is looking down upon you with deep love and appreciation.
Thanks, mate.
Prayers and condolences, to your family over the loss of Nana. May the Lord comfort each of you, today and in the future months.
Love you Nana! Grew up in New Mexico and now back again, loved learning this.
I'd read about this battle , now I can finally put a picture to it . Many thanks for the video , it adds color to history we usually only find in black and white.
Sorry for your loss .
Once again, thank you for taking me along virtually on a cool trip. Very sorry for your family's loss.
Thank you, we appreciate it.
General Canby had quite the career in the Army. Interestingly, according to Wikipedia, his opponent, General Sibley, had been his own assistant before the war. I got into the story because of my memory of Canby's Cross up in Modoc County, where I used to work. He was killed at that site in 1873 by Modoc Tribal warriors during the Indian Wars.
One question - the river would likely be the main source of water for the fort. Was it channeled in, or did they retrieve water from it, if you know? It doesn't look like there would have been any natural sources in the immediate area of the fort.
I'm sure they would have had to have retrieved it from the river, as the fort is higher up. I'm not sure on that though.
the area does have a decent aquafir and there was always the Rio Wimpo
The Rio Grande river was the water source.
Guaranteed the river was their main source. I live in this region. Water sources without drilled wells are very sparse apart from that river.
Sorry for your loss. Touching tribute.
That is so interesting. I attended a school in Playas New Mexico and we stayed in Deming. On a day trip they took us up to Socorro to visit New Mexico Tech. We traveled through truth or consequences and past Elephant Butte. Truth be told it was a bomb school at Playas. I never knew the history of that area at the time but it makes it more memorable now.
Sorry to hear of your loss. Thank you for sharing another great informative video. Stay safe in your travels and looking forward to the next video. Hugs ❤
Thank you, we appreciate it.
Sorry for your loss. You will keep her spirit alive here.😍
I never new civil war battles were ever fought this far west! Very educational. I’m sorry for the loss of your Nana.
That wall/berm was built with no heavy equipment. Impressive.
Sorry for your loss ✝️
First of all, Our condolences to Nana❤. Love this part of history. I had no idea that battle took place so far towards the west. Love your work - Keep them coming
Very interesting video. I am one of those who never heard of this fort or battle before. My condolences regarding your wife's grandmother.
Great video and history lesson. So sorry for your loss.
Thanks for a great look back at what few even know about, the Confederate excursion into the West. Condolences to you and yours on the passing of your wife's grandmother, grandparents are the backbone of the extended family.
I really enjoy your videos. Sorry for your loss -
Don’t forget Picacho Pass -
Battle of Picacho Pass, also known as the Battle of Picacho Peak, was an engagement of the American Civil War on April 15, 1862. The action occurred around Picacho Peak, 50 miles northwest of Tucson AZ
Great amount of history ! Sorry for your family’s loss that was a nice dedication :)
So sorry to learn about Nana. My prayers of comfort are with you, your wife, and the rest of the family.
I had heard of the Battle of Glorietta Pass, but did not know about this one, thanks for filling in some gaps
I've only recently sort of stumbled across your YT channel so forgive me for late comments as I'm playing catch up here. Another fascinating and well researched video and I really like the measured pace of your narration. It's a bit after the event now but condolences for your loss of an obviously much loved relative.
I’m so sorry for your loss but remember how much pleasure and information you bring to so many people including family 💖. Of course I never heard of this place. It looked so formidable that it’s hard to believe there is so little left. Great video as always. 👍☮️🌞❤️
Thank you, we really appreciate it. As remote as this place is I'm surprised there wasn't a little more too, but you can really notice the wall all around it.
I've driven past that exit more times than I can count. Thank you for the excellent history lesson! I need to take a look.
Love your comment about the bomb-proof warehouse, and the Apaches not being known for their artillery! 😆 Good one! However, they were fierce enough to make up for any lack of artillery.
Condolences to your family🕊️
Great presentation. I didn't know anything about this battle. My condolences to you & wife. May her Grandmother R.I.P
Interesting video. I lived in Socorro for 26 years and have visited the Fort several times. I'm glad to see that it has a visitor center and is being preserved somewhat. Most of the buildings are gone because the fort was looted for building materials by locals, much like Fort Union when it was abandoned.
I caught a couple of things that require clarification.
First, the battle is officially known as The Battle of Valverde, not Val Verde Ford. There was a small village north of Mesa Del Contadero named Valverde that was a supply point on the Camino Real from Mexico City to Santa Fe. The village was largely abandoned by the time the Conferderate army arrived.
Second, the Confederates were forced to burn some of their wagons and supplies because they lost so many horses and mules in the battle. The Federal forces had no part in that. Sibley had to dismount the 4th Texas to make up the loss and rely on supply stores upriver (Socorro, Albuquerque, and Santa Fe). All of their wagons, ambulances, livestock, and supplies were wiped out at the Battle of Glorieta Pass by Major Chivington when he destroyed the Confederate supply camp at Johnson's Ranch.
Third, Sibley's troops captured a battery of Mountain Howitzers from the Federals in the battle, which improved their artillery significantly. After the destruction of the Confederate supply train at Glorieta Pass/Apache Pass, they were forced to retreat and, for some reason carried the Mountain Howitzers back with them. They had to go across a pass in the San Mateo Mountains because Fort Craig was reprovisioned and regarrisoned and so blocked their path down the Camino Real back to Mesilla. That retreat is an epic story in and of itself.
Very sorry to hear about the passing of your mother in law. Condolences to you and especially to your wife.
Thanks..very interesting. So sorry for your grandmothers passing.......She's in heaven smiling down upon you sir.
Another valuable piece of American history. Thanks a lot. Colin UK 🇬🇧
Thanks, Steve, I really appreciate your research that goes into your videos.
Glad you like them!
So sorry about your wife’s mom. Godspeed to you all.
Thanks for the terrific videos.
That wooden flag pole looks like something you'd see on a pirate ship.
A belated condolences for your lost. Great videos and historical reviews. Good musical background and vocal presentation. 👍💯
Sorry for your loss. Amazing camera and story. It’s on my list to visit now. Great job. Afraid I better get their soon , before they shut down the visitor center.
Enjoyed watching love history❤
Thank you!
Such is history, battles are mostly forgotten except by those who were there.
I was just thinking yesterday that i needed to visit there.
Condolences.
Thank you for putting this video out there.
The battle at Glorieta Pass stopped the Confederate army. A chase ensued down the Rio with smaller skirmishes along the way as the Confederate army left the Territory of NM southwards.
As a kid in the 1950s we would explore Ft Selden with my parents. Even rode up from Mesilla Park on a small "milk run" Santa Fe Railroad passenger train, getting off at the stop just below the Fort. Water was obtained there from Radium Springs.
We also explored Ft Craig as we knew the rancher - families there. Wouldn't be surprised that water was supplied by hand dug wells as the Rio is close by and the Fort is low in elevation.
Having recently visited the site I was pleased to see the restoration work. One factor working against the Confederate army was their recent journey across the Jornado del Muerto (journey of death).
Nice commemoration and nice video. Sorry about Nana's passing. Living in Colorado all my life (75+ years), I've known a lot about the Civil War battles in the west, but had never heard of this one. Thanks for filling in the gaps. I'll have to visit sometime.
"Excellent Piece of Unknown History !!!"
@6:24 The burning of the wagons happened during the Battle of Glorieta Pass at Johnson's ranch.
For more information I highly recommend "The Battle of Glorieta Pass: The Colorado Volunteers in the Civil War" for details on the confederate campaign. And there is also "The Colorado Volunteers, 1862 -- Whitford", which is colorful if not entirely accurate (the book erroneously claims that William Kissane - one of the most hated, and elusive, individuals in the U.S. at the time - had died at Glorieta under the assumed name of Lockridge).
Chivington went on to commit the Sand Creek Massacre, pity that he didn't die in New Mexico first.
Thank you excellent video! Driven by the place but never been there NOW I WILL stop.
This guy is pure gold and I love that he rocks San Diego padres gear alway
I went to NM Tech in Socorr (late '80s), often enjoying a trip to the Bosque to see wildlife or the best green chili cheeseburgers at the Owl in San Antonio--and never heard of this site!! Argh. Another reason for a road trip now!
If any one wants to know about Southwest history and obscure towns there's a prolific, yet little known author, F. Stanley who wrote many books. Fort Craig is one of them.