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
We are pleased to announce that the museum is now open to the public again, on both Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 2 pm. We apologize for the inconvenience of our closure for the last six weeks, due to asbestos abatement performed by workers contracted by the State of New Mexico.
While we are thrilled to be open again, visitors are asked for their continued patience as the ongoing reinstallation of exhibits will require portions of the museum to be blocked off as we gradually restore and update our displays.
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
Fall Film Series
The theme for our Fall Film Series is “Inside the White House: Consequential Presidents 1800-1960” It features films on Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, plus eight more 20th century chief executives, ending with Dwight D. Eisenhower. Included in the showings will be the award winning miniseries “Backstairs at the White House”.
The series begins on September 3, 2026 and runs through October 29, 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.
Preservation Society
to Host Annual Birthday Celebration
The Fort Bayard Historic Preservation Society invites everyone to attend a special event at Fort Bayard National Historic Landmark on Saturday, August 22 nd . Living History performers from the Society will offer interpretive talks at the New Deal Theater and the historic parade ground between 2 and 4 p.m., and the museum on the west side of the parade ground will be open to the public on its regular 10am to 2 pm schedule as well. The public is invited to come out and enjoy birthday cake and other light refreshments as part of the event, which is celebrating the fort’s 160 th birthday. For more information, consult the FBHPS website at www.historicfortbayard.org.
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!