![]() Built in 1865 by troops from Albuquerque, the entire post was constructed of adobe with the exception of the Administration Building. The most popular site to visit is Fort Selden State Monument. From about mid-March to mid-October the park is also a venue for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking in the Rio Grande. Leasburg Dam State Park offers year-round camping, picnicking, and bird watching. Constructed in 1908, it is one of the oldest diversion dams in New Mexico which was constructed not to hold back the flow of the Rio Grande river, but to instead divert it into a system of canals for use by nearby farms. It flourished for almost 50 years, then fell from favor, and was even once used as a women's prison and also an art center.Īnother unique feature of Radium Springs is the Leasburg Dam. It attracted many people who felt the water was beneficial for arthritis, nerve problems and many other diseases. It was when the post office was established, that a mineral analysis of the water was performed and showed enough "millimicrocuries" of radium per liter of water that the town could use the word "radium" in its name! In the 1920s the Radium Springs Resort Hotel was built with bathhouses connected to the wells. The community owes its name to the free-slowing mineral hot springs that were often frequented by soldiers from nearby Fort Selden. I recommend this highly.The small town of Radium Springs is located on NM 185 west of the Rio Grande and across from Fort Selden State Monument and the ruins of a 19th-century army outpost Fort Selden. The park's ranger is absolutely great and will be delighted to answer questions. And please, do as they ask, stay on the s dangerous not to. There's a good bit of walking involved if you wish to see the ruins. The museum is loaded with antiquities that have been found there, along with a couple of brass cannon, and memorabilia photos. I did not see food offered on the premises. Bring an umbrella for shade, you'll need it, sunscreen, water and snacks for children or diabetics. per adult with varying fees for groups and children. The legendary Buffalo Soldiers manned this fort, and later General Douglas MacArthur's family were stationed here when he was a young boy. While today its very peaceful and in near ruin, it was an impressive part of the history of the area running high to despair and boredom with occasional interludes of Indian battles and raids. It is part of the El Camino Real trail, near the Rio Grande River. While there are no bells or whistles and there is a moderate amount of walking, this site holds a lot of truth to the Old West. This historic site is a must see for anyone traveling in New Mexico on I-25 going through Radium Springs. ![]() Many people over time have lived, traveled and camped in this rugged and unforgiving area. The historic El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro (the Royal Road to the Interior) runs through this cultural site. The rangers can answer any questions.īe sure to visit this gem just off Interstate 25. Parasols are also available for the walking tour. Bring a picnic-there's a shaded pavillion available. Take note of the wildlife and plants that call this region of New Mexico home. Walk and reflect among the quiet fort ruins and appreciate the desert environment. You can make your own adobe bricks for a souvenir. Mogollon pottery, soldier uniforms, maps, and other artifacts are displayed.Īdobe preservation is a big part of Fort Selden maintenance. The visitor center has some fascinating items, including a baby shoe that may have been worn by Douglas MacArthur. The US government established the fort in 1865 to bring peace to a region of conflict and lawlessness. There's a walking tour that reviews more than 1400 years of history, starting with the Mogollon people (400-1300 AD). Wow-so glad I stopped on a recent afternoon.
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