Fort Cummings facts for kids

Fort Cummings was an important U.S. Army post in New Mexico. It was built near a vital water source called Cooke's Spring. This fort played a key role in protecting travelers and mail routes in the American Southwest. It is located about 20 miles northeast of Deming, New Mexico.

Cooke's Spring and the Dangerous Pass

Cooke's Spring: A Vital Stop

Cooke's Spring (32°27′46″N 107°38′55″W / 32.46277°N 107.64863°W / 32.46277; -107.64863) was named after Philip St. George Cooke. He was a commander who explored this area in 1853. This spring was super important because it was the only large source of fresh water for many miles. Travelers on the Southern Emigrant Trail and the Butterfield Overland Mail stagecoach route relied on it. These routes were used by wagons heading to California.

Cooke's Pass: A Risky Journey

The springs were located at the start of Cooke's Canyon. This canyon led to Cooke's Pass (32°47′32″N 107°43′17″W / 32.79218°N 107.72129°W / 32.79218; -107.72129), a narrow gap in the Cooke's Range. From 1848 to 1861, passing through Cooke's Pass was very dangerous. Travelers were often attacked by Apache groups in this area. After 1861, the situation became even more difficult. The Apache, who had once been friendly with the stagecoach company, began to attack stations and coaches. Many travelers were killed over the next decade. Cooke's Pass became known as "Massacre Canyon" due to these events.

Building and Purpose of Fort Cummings

Why the Fort Was Built

To protect people, Fort Cummings was first set up on October 2, 1863. Captain Valentine Dresher and his soldiers from the 1st California Infantry established it. The main goal of the fort was to protect the Butterfield Overland Mail route. It also guarded the southern road to California, especially where it went through Cooke's Pass. The fort helped control conflicts with the Apache people in the area.

Life at the Fort

Over the next ten years, the fort was built up. It had strong adobe walls, about 10 feet high. Inside these walls, there was a parade ground, a corral for horses, and several single-story adobe buildings. These buildings were arranged around the wall, creating a safe space for the soldiers.

Abandonment and Reoccupation

Fort Cummings was left empty in 1870, with only a few people looking after it. It was fully abandoned in 1873. However, it was reoccupied later when Apache leader Victorio led a campaign in 1880. The fort was known as "Camp at Fort Cummings" from 1880 to 1884. It was used again in 1886 during more Apache conflicts. Today, only some eroding adobe walls remain. The nearby site of the old stage station and the post graveyard are also still there.

Soldiers at Fort Cummings

Over the years, many different U.S. Army units were stationed at Fort Cummings. These soldiers worked to keep the area safe for travelers and settlers. They included units like the 1st California Infantry Regiment, the 5th California Infantry Regiment, and later, the 24th Infantry Regiment. Cavalry units, such as the 4th Cavalry Regiment and the 8th Cavalry Regiment, also used the fort as a camp during their operations in the area.