Established in 1851, Fort Union was a base for military operations on the Santa Fe Trail, the chief quartermaster depot for the Southwest. Campaigns against the Jicarilla Apaches in 1854, the Utes in 1855 and the Kiowas and Comanches in 1860-61 were launched from here. After a railroad replaced the trail in 1879, Fort Union's role decreased, and it was abandoned in 1891. Today's visitors tour its sprawling brick-and-adobe remains. A small museum focuses on the history of the fort and the Santa Fe Trail.