NMHS | February 2025

Since July 2020, more than $7.5 million has been invested in Fort Stanton Historic Site by means of the American Rescue Plan Act and the New Mexico State Legislature infrastructure improvement funds. Additionally, a $250,000 federal grant sponsored by Senators Martin Heinrich and Ben Ray Lujan will support wildlife mitigation across New Mexico. These funds reflect the largest investment in capital infrastructure improvement at Fort Stanton since the 1930s New Deal era.

These vital funds offer not only a more welcoming and comfortable experience for visitors, but also contribute to county-wide infrastructure improvements and hazard prevention that make the area safer for all. For example, the water system improvements have enabled the Lincoln County Volunteer Fire Department to improve its rating with the Insurance Services Office, which will in turn provide more resources for the State Fire Marshall, and hopefully, lower premiums for homeowners' insurance policies throughout the county.

Fort Stanton served as a military post created to alleviate threats from marauding Mescalero Apache Indians to settlers and travelers in south-central New Mexico. Situated on 240 acres and surrounded by more than 25,000 acres of Bureau of Land Management property, the fort comprises an astounding 88 buildings, some dating back to 1855.

To learn more about the Historic Sites visit: https://www.museumfoundation.org/historic-sites/fort-stanton-historic-site/