Walk Through History
A visit to Fort Bayard is not only historically rich; it is also abundant in the natural beauty found on its 468 surrounding acres.
In 1866, Lieutenant James M. Kerr, Company B, 125th United States Colored Infantry, ordered his troops to begin building a new post in Apache country, near Pinos Altos, New Mexico Territory. Fort Bayard was once home to the famous Buffalo Soldiers and "Black Jack" John J. Pershing.
Guided tours of Fort Bayard National Historic Landmark take place at 9:30 a.m. and usually last for two hours. Tours begin at Fort Bayard Museum, located in the Commanding Officer's Quarters (House 26) on the west side of the parade ground. The Fort Bayard Historic Preservation Society also offers a variety of programs and events which are open to the public.
Special tours for friends and family can be arranged in advance by calling (575) 956-3294, (575) 388-9123 or (575) 574-8779.
Visitors are encouraged to pass along the Fort Bayard National Cemetery, where many Buffalo Soldiers, and veterans of the Indian Wars, Spanish American War, WWI, WWII, Desert Storm and more recent military battles are buried.