Founded in 1866, Fort Bayard at first provided security (mainly by African-American “Buffalo Soldiers”) against Native American attacks on settlers during the settlement of the region in the 19th century. It was then converted into the army’s first tuberculosis sanitarium, and later became a VA hospital. The site was designated a National Historic Landmark District in 2004.
The mission of the Fort Bayard Historic Preservation Society is to educate the public about Fort Bayard’s remarkable history through the promotion of the preservation, interpretation, and restoration of Fort Bayard National Historic Landmark.
Among the steps we take to achieve our mission is the collection, exhibition, and interpretation of artifacts and documents relating to its history, and the creation and implementation of programming to inform the public about Fort Bayard.
Fort Bayard Historic Preservation Society Receives Funding for Building Improvements
The FBHPS is pleased to announce that the Thirty Something grant program has awarded our organization a grant for $30,000 to be used for improvement on Building 53, along Doctors Row. Work will be done toward developing the structure for use as exhibit, office, and collection space.
Visit the Museum
Our museum at Fort Bayard National Historic Landmark is located in the Commanding Doctor’s home, found in the center of “Doctors’ Row”, along the western side of the historic parade ground. All of the buildings on the Row were built between 1908 and 1911, to house the medical doctors assigned to Fort Bayard Army Tuberculosis Hospital, which replaced the active military post of Fort Bayard in 1899. The Commanding Doctor’s house stands on spot formerly occupied by the Post Commander’s home from 1866 to 1899. Today, the FBHPS tells the story of Fort Bayard through exhibits and collections on all three floors of this historic home.
Regular hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday, plus Sundays during the summer (beginning May 24). Admission is free, but donations are encouraged. Volunteers are on duty to answer questions and provide historical information for visitors. Special group tours are available upon request, and additional museum hours may be provided with prior arrangements.
Thank You!
Thank you to everyone that supported Fort Bayard during the Give Grandly fundraiser. It was a success and our organization raised a little over $2000 thanks to the generosity of the people in Grant County and beyond.
Archives
The Fort Bayard Historical Preservation Society operates a library/archive facility, located in the Santa Clara Armory Building at 11990 US Highway 180 near the Village of Santa Clara. This facility is available for researchers by appointment. To make an appointment, please call 970-222-2433 or 970-222-5084.
Notice to Researchers:
The FBHPS does not possess hospital records relating to patients treated at the Fort Bayard Army Tuberculosis Hospital, nor Veterans Hospital Number 55. These records were all transferred away from the facility when the respective hospitals were closed. We recommend that researchers seeking information on particular individuals visit https://www.archives.gov/personnel-records-center/other-medical-records.
Upcoming Events
Summer Film Series
The theme for our Summer Film Series is “Crucible of Liberty: The American Revolution in Film.” It features the John Adams PBS Miniseries, a 2008 American television miniseries chronicling the political and family life of U.S. Founding Father and president. The miniseries is directed by Tom Hooper and stars Paul Giamatti in the title role. Kirk Ellis wrote the screenplay based on the 2001 biography John Adams by David McCullough.
The series begins on May 14 and runs through June 25, 2026. Doors open at the Santa Clara Armory at 6 pm and the shows start at 6:30. Admission is free, donations are welcome, and concessions are available for only $1 each.
Celebrating Our Nation’s 250th Birthday
The FBHPS plans to offer several special events during the U.S. Semiquincentennial (250th Anniversary) celebration in 2026. Special film series and other public events are being planned. Visit the website frequently to learn more more throughout the year.
“Where am I to Go?”
Following the Civil War, General Carleton requested that a new fort be established in what is now southwestern New Mexico, in the heart of the Apache homeland. Its mission would be to protect the miners, ranchers, and emigrant and business trails.
Doug Dinwiddie, Ansel Walters, and John Bell discuss the history of Fort Bayard in a podcast initially aired February 11, 2023.
Fort Bayard Junior Historian Program
FBHPS sponsors a Junior Historian Program which includes an artifact search leading to an official certification as a Junior Historian. Program is open to students 5 to 14 years old. These pictures are of some of our past participants
Would You Like to Be Part of Our Efforts?
If so, there are many different ways that you can help:
- Become a dues paying member of the organization
- Actively engage in our operation by volunteering your time as a tour guide, collections curator, living history performer, building and grounds worker, records keeper and researcher, and many more options
- If you would like to help, but feel like you need training, no worries, as that will be provided!
Members Make a Difference!
Already a member? Renewing your membership is easier than ever! Click the Online Membership Application now!
Members receive a 10% discount at our gift shop!