Built in the San Luis Valley of southern Colorado, Fort Garland was a active US Army outpost from 1858 to 1883. It was originally constructed to protect the inhabitants in the valley and to establish the authority of the United States in the recently acquired territory, which had already been settled by Hispano pioneers from Mexico. The fort was active during the Civil War, during which it served as an important site for enlistment and rendezvous for the companies of Colorado volunteers heading south to fight the Confederate insurgents in New Mexico. Soldiers from Fort Garland participated in the battle of Glorieta Pass, which put an end to Confederate attempts to hold New Mexico or invade Colorado.

After the Civil War, the fort remained active and its soldiers primarily served to enforce treaties with local indigenous groups, especially the Ute of southern Colorado. During this time, the fort was home to a diverse group, including companies of largely Hispano volunteers and later the black Buffalo Soldiers of the Ninth Cavalry, from 1875 to 1879.

The fort was decommissioned in 1883 and the remaining troops were moved to Fort Lewis. The fort and its land reverted to local landowners, and the property fell into disuse. It passed through several hands until the 1920s, when the last owner announced plans to raze the remaining buildings. Locals in San Luis Valley formed an association to purchase and preserve the fort. In 1945, the site was acquired by the Colorado Historical Society, now History Colorado. By that time all but five of the original twenty-two buildings had either been demolished or deteriorated. The remaining buildings were restored and the newly refurbished site opened as Fort Garland Museum & Cultural Center in 1950.

Today the site includes a large parade grounds surrounded by several restored adobe buildings which contain reconstructed 19th-century army quarters, several exhibits, and a large gift shop which features locally-crafted goods and an excellent selection of books on Colorado and the West.

Accessibility at Fort Garland

At Fort Garland, we want all of our visitors to feel welcome. Here’s how we try to be accessible for everyone.

If you have additional questions you can email us or call 719-379-3512.

Mobility & Entering the Building

Parking is available in our onsite parking lot.

All buildings are one-story and wheelchair accessible. However, guests should be aware that outdoor pathways between buildings are dirt, which could present seasonal challenges with snow or mud.
 

Wheelchairs

A wheelchair is available for use by guests. Ask at the front desk to borrow it during your visit to the Fort.
 

Service Animals

Service animals—animals that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability—are allowed throughout the all areas of the museum. 

We are a dog-friendly museum! Accompanied leashed or contained dogs are welcome onto the property and in the exhibit spaces. Water is available upon request.

 

Aira ASL On-Demand

Aira ASL provides remote, on‑demand American Sign Language interpreting through a mobile app which connects ASL users instantly with a professional human interpreter for free 30-minute sessions. The service is currently being piloted at 11 History Colorado museums and historic sites, and the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment’s (CDLE) Vocational Rehabilitation locations and Workforce Centers. Calls are secure and available with no advance reservations needed. Available on the Apple and Google Play stores.

 

Education

Learn about History Take-Out and reserve one online →

Learn about History Colorado's online exhibits →

Book a field trip →