Fort Bascom facts for kids

Fort Bascom was an important military fort built in 1863 in what was then the New Mexico Territory. It was located along the Canadian River in San Miguel County, New Mexico, not far from the Texas border. The fort was about 10 miles north of the town of Tucumcari, New Mexico.

The fort was named to honor Captain George Nicholas Bascom. He was a brave soldier who died during the American Civil War on February 21, 1862. Captain Bascom was defending Fort Craig against Confederate forces in the Battle of Valverde, New Mexico, when he was killed.

Why Was Fort Bascom Built?

Fort Bascom was one of several forts ordered by General James Henry Carleton. These forts were built to help control the activities of Native American groups like the Comanches and Kiowas. These groups often traveled through the Llano Estacado, also known as the Staked Plains, in Texas and near the Rio Grande river.

Stopping Trade of Stolen Goods

Another important reason for Fort Bascom was to stop the illegal trade of stolen goods. This trade was often carried out by people known as Comancheros. They were traders who sometimes exchanged goods with Native American groups, and some of these goods were stolen. The fort helped to bring more order and safety to the region.

Famous Events and the Fort's End

A famous event connected to the fort's purpose was when the well-known frontiersman Kit Carson led a battle against the Comanches and Kiowas. This battle, called the First Battle of Adobe Walls, happened in the heart of the Texas Panhandle. It showed the ongoing efforts to manage the relationships and conflicts in the area.

Fort Bascom served its purpose for several years. However, by 1870, the need for the fort had changed, and it was no longer used. The fort was officially abandoned that year.