Fort Burgwin
Fort Burgwin (1852-1860) - A U.S. Army post established as Cantonment Burgwin in 1852 by 2nd Lt. Robert Ransom (Cullum 1467), 1st U.S. Dragoons, in present day Taos County, New Mexico. Named for Captain John H.K. Burgwin (Cullum 614), 1st U.S. Dragoons, who was killed on 7 Feb 1847 at the storming of El Pueblo de Taos, New Mexico. Unofficially known as Fort Burgwin. Abandoned in 1860. Also known as Fort Fernando de Taos.
-
Fort Burgwin Commanding Officer's Quarters. -
Fort Burgwin Officer's Quarters. -
Fort Burgwin Main Building Reconstructed.
History
Established 14 Aug 1852 by 2nd Lt. Robert Ransom, 1st U.S. Dragoons to protect the Taos Valley from hostile Jicarilla Apache and Ute Indians. The post was abandoned 18 May 1860.
Current Status
Now the SMU Taos campus with several rebuilt structures, Taos County, New Mexico. The rebuilt buildings are external replicas with modern interiors. Visitors should check in with the office in the main fort building for a quick briefing on any limitations or off-limits areas but the tour is self-guided. Take a picture of the map on the post at the entrance to guide your tour.
Context
Location:
Ten miles south of Taos, Taos County, New Mexico.
Lat: 36.276° Long: -105.578° Elevation: 7'
Bing, Google,
OldMapsOnline,
USGS, OHM
Sources:
- Roberts, Robert B., Encyclopedia of Historic Forts: The Military, Pioneer, and Trading Posts of the United States, Macmillan, New York, 1988, 10th printing, ISBN 0-02-926880-X, page 522-523
- Hart, Herbert M., Tour Guide to Old Western Forts, Pruett Publishing Co., Boulder CO, 1980, ISBN 0-87108-568-2, page 98
- Frazer, Robert W., Forts of the West, University of Oklahoma Press, Norman OK, 1965, ISBN 0-8061-1250-6, page 96
Links:
Related:
1st U.S. Dragoons, Cantonment Burgwin, Encyclopedia of Historic Forts, Fort Fernando de Taos, Forts of the West, New or Updated Forts and Camps, Tour Guide to Old Western Forts,