Q: When did Fort Union become a National Monument?

A: Fort Union National Monument was congressionally authorized by Public Law 83-429 on June 28, 1954. The monument was formally established by the National Park Service on April 5, 1956.

Q: How many acres are within the monument boundary?

A: The main 637 -acre unit, donated by the Union Land and Grazing Company, includes the site of the second fort (star fort) , and 63 adobe building ruins of the third fort. An 84-acre detached unit a mile to the west of the main site encompasses a part of the historic grounds of the first Fort Union and also contains the adobe ruins and foundations of the arsenal connected with the third fort.

Q: At its largest strength, what was the number of men stationed at Fort Union?

A: The highest number of enlisted troops was 1,660, recorded on September, 1861.

Q: Did the post have a cemetery?

A: The cemetery serving the garrisons of the three forts stood about one and one-fourth miles northwest of the post near the bluffs north of the arsenal grounds. In 1892, after Fort Union was abandoned, 286 remains were disinterred from the cemetery for reburial in the Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery, in Kansas.