Fort Garland was established in 1858 to protect settlers in the San Luis Valley, then part of the Territory of New Mexico. Built in a parallelogram around the parade ground, the fort could accomodate two companies of 100 men and a handful of officers. Over 25 years, the fort was home to a number of different companies of infantrymen, mounted riflemen and volunteers. Kit Carson and his volunteer unit were commanded to the fort in 1866 to keep the peace and negotiate with the Utes. Today you can walk the parade ground of the fort and tour the adobe buildings. The Commandant's Quarters features a re-creation of the quarters during Carson's time. Fort Garland also highlights the folk art and culture of the Hispanic community in southern Colorado.

• Town of Ft. Garland - Visit Website

Old Fort Garland Museum
Established in 1858 in southern Colorado, Fort Garland, with its garrison of over 100 men, served to protect the earliest settlers in the San Luis Valley. Today you are invited to walk the parade ground of the fort and tour the adobe buildings, which feature a re-creation of the commandant's quarters during Kit Carson's time. Rich in military history, Fort Garland also highlights the folk art and culture of the Hispanic community in southern Colorado.

• Old Fort Garland Musuem - Phone: 719.379.3512 | Visit Website