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Las Cruces, New Mexico
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Fort Selden was the childhood home of Pat Garrett, the sheriff known for killing the outlaw Billy the Kid.
The fort was built in 1865 to safeguard settlers and travelers from Apache raids along the Rio Grande.
The fort was first abandoned in 1878 due to military reorganization and again in 1891 after its final closure.
The site was designated as a New Mexico State Monument in 1974 and offers a glimpse into 19th-century military life.
The fort was manned by units including the Buffalo Soldiers, African American regiments in the U.S. Army.
Visitors can explore the remnants of the fort's adobe structures, which have been preserved for historical education.
The fort played a role in the U.S. military's efforts during the Indian Wars, a series of conflicts with Native American tribes.
The monument hosts events and programs that educate visitors about the history and culture of the region.
