Fort Sumner

Fort Sumner appeals to travelers who want to connect their stay with history. The Bosque Redondo Memorial is dedicated to the forced relocation of the Diné and Ndé; the Billy the Kid Museum, his burial site, and historic buildings offer insights into other chapters of the past. Walks along the Pecos River offer another way to experience the area. If you’re looking for a hotel in Fort Sumner, these different interests can provide a helpful framework for planning your stay.

The Bosque Redondo Memorial and H’weeldi

The Bosque Redondo Memorial at Fort Sumner Historic Site shares the history and tragedy of the forced relocation of about 10,000 Diné (Navajo). In 1863, they were forced to make the 450-mile “Long Walk” to the Bosque Redondo Indian Reservation, H’weeldi. Hundreds of Ndé (Mescalero Apache) were also interned there.

Plan your visit to the memorial

An audio tour and an interpretive trail take visitors between the memorial and Fort Sumner. You can keep this connection in mind as you find your way around the area. The memorial is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; it is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Since opening hours can change, check the current schedule before you travel. If you plan to use the audio tour or trail, it’s also a good idea to confirm operating details before your trip.

Other historical traces in Fort Sumner

Fort Sumner was built to guard Indigenous people held captive at the Bosque Redondo Reservation. Fort Sumner State Monument is also connected to Old Fort Sumner, the reservation, and the historical period from 1862 to 1868. The Pecos River Bridge near Fort Sumner was completed in 1927. This places different layers of history side by side: the 19th-century period associated with the monument and the bridge’s completion in the 20th century.

The story of Billy the Kid is remembered in another way. The day after he was killed, he was buried in Fort Sumner’s old military cemetery, between his fallen companions Tom O’Folliard and Charlie Bowdre. Visiting his grave is free; since access conditions can change, check them before you travel. The Billy the Kid Museum in Fort Sumner displays items that belonged to him: his rifle, chaps and spurs, the original wanted poster, and locks of his hair. The grave and museum offer different points of interest for visitors interested in Billy the Kid.

Trails and walks

Visitor facilities at the Bosque Redondo Memorial at Fort Sumner Historic Site include the Old Fort Site Trail and the 3/4-mile-long River Walk Trail. The stated length of the River Walk Trail offers a specific reference point for planning your day. Visitors can also take a walk along the historic Pecos River in Fort Sumner. This gives you a choice of named trails at the memorial as well as a walking route along the river in town.

For the broader travel overview: De Baca County.