IMMEDIATE
RELEASE
CONTACT
CECILIA BELL 388-4477
Fort
Bayard: Its Past, Present, and Future
SILVER CITY—A
new class that may be of interest to local residents titled “Fort Bayard: Its
Past, Present, and Future,” will be offered through Western New Mexico University
beginning Feb. 6.
Established in
1866, Fort Bayard's early history offers every ingredient encountered in the
western movies - minus the glamour of Hollywood. Its pasts include many U.S.
Army officers and enlisted men. Its history includes the Apache Wars, the
Buffalo Soldiers, and the battle waged against the "Great White
Plague" - tuberculosis. Fort Bayard has experienced many
challenges in its 140 years. On several occasions its existence was
threatened. In 2004, Fort Bayard was named a National Historic Landmark.
Meeting Monday
evenings, Feb. 6 through March 6 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Saturday,
February 11th, from 9:30 a.m. to noon for a field trip at Fort Bayard and the
Fort Bayard National Cemetery, this class will devote detailed time to the
development of Fort Bayard following the Civil War, the Apaches whose homelands
were being usurped by miners and ranchers, the soldiers who were on duty at
Fort Bayard, the women who bravely accompanied their husbands to this desolate
army post, and lastly the efforts of U. S. Army physicians who provided
treatment and sought cures for those inflicted with tuberculosis.
Course highlights will be
visits by members of the Fort Bayard Historic Preservation Society who will
share both Chautauqua performances focusing on individuals who were at Fort
Bayard and their expertise on such things as weapons and ammunition, videos,
and a visit of the 9th Cavalry Association of Phoenix, Arizona.
The class is
offered for one credit hour or audit.
Senior citizens may enroll in classes for $5 per credit hour if you are
at least 65 years of age and a New Mexico resident. Additional fees may be assessed.
For further information
about the class, please contact Cecilia Jensen Bell at 388-4477 or cecilialjb@aol.com
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