News Release Archive

Fort McRae Placed on National Register

Media Contact: Jeff Hanson, 505-462-3607, jhanson@uc.usbr.gov

For Release: April 21, 2005

Fort McRae, a frontier military post near Elephant Butte, has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Bureau of Reclamation submitted the nomination and the documentation needed for the eligibility process. The fort, constructed in 1863 and abandoned in 1876, was listed to the nation’s list of historic properties because of its association with events that have made a significant contribution to broad patterns of American history and for its potential to yield important archaeological and historic data.

The fort was named for Captain Alexander McRae, 3rd U.S. Cavalry, who was killed on February 21, 1862, at the Battle of Valverde, New Mexico. In operation for 13 years, Fort McRae served travelers along the treacherous Jornada del Muerto as well as those early settlers living in communities along the lush river bottoms of the Rio Grande. In constant peril from Apache raids, the fort protected a wide area otherwise vulnerable to frequent Indian attack. The Jornada del Muerto served as a key transportation corridor in the development of the Territory and protection of the travelers along that corridor was paramount. The establishment of the fort at the Ojo del Muerto, the only reliable water source along the Jornada, and the presence of the military personnel to protect travelers, provided a much higher degree of safety along the travel route than had been previously realized. This expedited travel along the route for both military and civilian parties, which, in turn, furthered development throughout the region.

Another significant aspect of Fort McRae is that for much of its existence, it was garrisoned by companies of African-American infantry and cavalry regiments known as "Buffalo Soldiers." Fort McRae is also listed on the State Register of Cultural Properties.

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