Fort McRae

Fort McRae is a military fort in Sierra County, New Mexico, situated in a mountainous area near the Elephant Butte Reservoir. The site remains visible when water levels at the reservoir drop, revealing the structures that once stood there.

California Volunteers built the fort in 1863 and named it after Alexander McRae, who was killed at the Battle of Valverde in 1862. It was constructed during the Civil War as part of Union military operations in the New Mexico Territory.

The fort included a cemetery with a memorial to honor soldiers who died during service there. This burial ground gave the site meaning as a place where local communities could remember those who served.

The site is best visited when water levels at the reservoir are low enough to expose the remains. Preparation for remote conditions is advisable, as it sits in an isolated desert area far from main facilities.

The fort served as a protective post for travelers crossing the Jornada del Muerto route and guarded several nearby settlements. Its strategic location made it crucial for keeping the region stable during an unstable period.

GPS coordinates: 33.19111,-107.14389

Latest update: December 14, 2025 12:25