The Las Cruces Railroad Museum will host a lecture at noon on Tuesday, June 11. Jeff Wooten, New Mexico State Monument Ranger at Fort Selden, will demonstrate the uniform and equipage of a 19th century soldier living in the desert southwest, and explain duties in the field and garrison. Wooten has interpreted New Mexico and Southwest history for 29 years at Fort Sumner, Jemez and Fort Selden.
Fort Selden was established in 1865 along the banks of the Rio Grande. It housed units of U.S. Infantry and Cavalry. Some of the troops stationed here were black troopers, referred to as Buffalo Soldiers. Douglas MacArthur lived there for a short time as a child, while his father was the post commander.
Fort Selden was abandoned in 1891. Today visitors can walk through the remains of the thick adobe walls, and the visitor center offers exhibits on frontier and military life.
Light refreshments served. For more information, please call 647-4480.
The museum is located at 351 N. Mesilla Street, at the intersection of Las Cruces Ave.