Stone Horseshoe

Fort Wingate, New Mexico

The memory was old but vivid: On a family trip around 1970, my father had driven us to the top of a hill where a giant stone horseshoe overlooked a military facility. I wasn't sure, but I thought it was Fort Wingate, in western New Mexico. It would be some 35 years later before I passed through Fort Wingate again, on my way to a campground in the national forest beyond. And sure enough, the horseshoe was still there. The inscription on the plaque at the base of the monument:

FORT WINGATE

Established August 31, 1860 as a U.S. Cavalry post under the name of Fort Fauntleroy. Name changed to Fort Lyon in September, 1861, and finally named Fort Wingate in 1868. This centennial monument dedicated to the proud history of Fort Wingate, the Horse Soldiers who served here, and the Indian people who watched them come -- first in doubt, then in friendship.

"In beauty it is finished ..."
                Navajo

August 28, 1960

Directions: Fort Wingate is 10 miles east of Gallup, New Mexico. From Interstate 40, take exit 33 and follow the paved road south about 2 miles south through Fort Wingate (the road is open to the public). On the south side of the town, the road climbs a hill; just before the national forest boundary the stone horseshoe is plainly visible; there is a dirt parking lot behind the horseshoe.

Last visited: June 2006.

Standard disclaimer: Sites are described for entertainment purposes only, as they were at the time of my last visit. I can not vouch for the current condition of the site or its accessibility.