Fort Marcy

Fort Marcy is a military fortress in Santa Fe situated on a hill overlooking the city center, displaying remains of its original star-shaped adobe walls. These remains show how the structure was designed for defense and command of the surrounding territory.

The fort was built in 1846 by General Stephen W. Kearny to establish American control over the New Mexico Territory. It served as a key military post during the war between the United States and Mexico.

The fort shows how Spanish, Mexican, and American military traditions came together in this location near important trade routes of the time. Walking through the site today, visitors can sense these overlapping layers of influence.

The fort is freely accessible through Old Fort Marcy Park located several blocks northeast of the main plaza. The walk uphill is gentle and the site features informational signs explaining the ruins and their history.

This is the only surviving fortification from the Mexican-American War period still standing within current United States borders. This rare status makes it an important remnant of a transformative moment in American expansion.