Some members of the Fort Bayard Historic Preservation Society went to Santa Fe in late January. They returned with the definite feeling that Fort Bayard will be shuttered and moth balled unless a new leasee is found. Currently the site is leased by the New Mexico Department of Heath for $1 a year with the stipulation that they maintain the facility.
There can't be enough said about this absolute jewel. Both in the role it played in the settling of the west and in the fact that since it's been continuously inhabited since 1866, it remains in pretty good shape. The water supply is from natural springs. The winter heat comes from a 100 year old steam plant that still works! Even the large hospital, built in 1922 meets code. It will be abandoned later this year for a new hospital being built on land NOT on the Fort Bayard Reservation. this is going to leave 468 acres unattended and unprotected and the vandalism problem has been bad enough, even with people still working there.
There are 468 acres here, fed by 19 springs that have continuosly supplied the water for this reservation since 1866. There's still 81 buildings standing, with their existing infrastructure, and this is one of two national cemeteries in New Mexico
This is an aerial of the property they are going to board up:
Most of us involved with trying to save the place, don't care how it is saved, just save it. There has been a concerted effort called "Operation Fort Bayard" with the idea of programs for
veterans:
• Continuum-of-care model
• Assisted living
• Homes for homeless veterans
• Long-term care
• Women’s therapeutic treatment center
• Restorative healing center for PTSD/TBI
• Vocational rehabilitation center
• Veterans Green Corps program
This is an ongoing process with new developments at every turn. Stay tuned......