Fort Selden Historic Site

Fort Selden Historic Site preserves the crumbling remains of a U.S. Army post near Radium Springs, 13 miles north of Las Cruces. Established in 1865, the fort protected travelers and settlements along the Rio Grande and El Camino Real until it was abandoned in 1891. The ruins do not take long to explore and pair well with nearby Leasburg Dam State Park.

Things to Do

Visit the Museum

The visitor center contains photographs, military artifacts, and exhibits about frontier life. The fort housed several units of Buffalo Soldiers, and a young Douglas MacArthur lived here while his father commanded the post.

Walk Through the Fort Ruins

A short path leads through the remains of barracks, officers’ quarters, a hospital, workshops, and other buildings arranged around the former parade ground. Signs explain the fort’s layout and the difficult daily lives of the soldiers stationed there.

Douglas MacArthur lived at Fort Selden as a young child while his father served as post commander from 1884 to 1886. He later became General of the Army during World War II and commanded United Nations forces during the Korean War.

Final Take

Ultimately, Fort Selden Historic Site is a quiet place to explore the ruins of a frontier fort. It’s not a major tourist draw, but its a nice place to spend a few hours learning about the history of the area and its on the culture pass!