MEDIA ALERT

For Immediate Release Contact: Dr. Julie Miller

September 13, 2005 University Librarian
(505) 538-6350 millerj@wnmu.edu

At the J. Cloyd Miller Library at Western New Mexico University…

J. Cloyd Miller Library announces the acquisition of historical documents of the Fort Bayard military post from 1879 to 1916. The library has purchased 67 rolls of microfilm from the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration. The microfilm includes: records of returns from Fort Bayard, NM, including returns from the First, Third, Fourth, Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, Ninth, and Tenth Cavalry, 1859-1896, and returns from the Thirteenth, Fifteenth, Twenty-third, Twenty-fourth, and Twenty-fifth Infantry; letters sent by the post commander at Fort Bayard, 1888-1897; and letters received by the Office of the Adjutant General, 1881-1889.

This acquisition significantly increases local access to the historical records of turbulent times in the region, such as the uprising of the Chiricahua Apaches under Geronimo’s leadership. Ms. Neta Pope, a researcher in local history, identified the materials held in the National Archive that were not owned by Miller Library. The purchase was made possible with funds from the 2002 GO Bond for Books.

For more information, contact the Reference Desk at J. Cloyd Miller Library at 538-6359.