District of New Mexico facts for kids
The District of New Mexico was a special military area created by the United States Army in what was then called the New Mexico Territory. It existed from 1865 to 1890. Before this, the area was part of a larger military group called the Department of New Mexico. The District of New Mexico was formed on June 27, 1865, along with the District of Arizona.
Initially, from June 1865 to July 1866, the District of New Mexico was part of the Military Division of the Pacific. After that, from 1866 until it closed in 1890, it was under the Department of the Missouri.
Military Leaders of New Mexico
The District of New Mexico was led by several important military officers during its time. These commanders were in charge of all the soldiers and military operations in the territory.
- Brigadier General, James Henry Carleton, was the first commander, serving from June 27, 1865, to July 1866.
- Colonel Edward Hatch led the district for a long period, from January 10, 1876, to October 30, 1881.
- Colonel Eugene Asa Carr was the last commander, serving from November 26, 1888, until the district closed on September 1, 1890.
Important Army Posts
The U.S. Army set up many forts and camps, known as "posts," across the District of New Mexico. These posts were vital for protecting settlers, controlling trade routes, and managing conflicts with Native American tribes. Here are some of the key locations:
- Post of Albuquerque (1846–1867): Located in the city of Albuquerque.
- Fort Marcy (1846–1867, 1875-1894): Found in Santa Fe, the capital.
- Fort Union (1851–1894): A very important supply depot near Watrous.
- Fort Craig (1854–1885): Located south of Socorro.
- Fort Stanton (1855–1896): Near Capitan.
- Fort Wingate (1868-1918): Near Gallup, it was also known by earlier names like Fort Fauntleroy and Fort Lyon.
- Fort Sumner (1862–1869): Located at Fort Sumner.
- Fort Bascom (1863–1870): North of Tucumcari.
- Fort Cummings (1863–1873): Near Cooke's Spring.
- Fort Selden (1865–1877): Located near what is now Radium Springs.
These posts played a big role in the history and development of New Mexico during this time.
