Pecos National Historical Park Expanded in New Mexico
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 20, 2025
National Park Trust and National Park Service Partner to Protect Historic Civil War Battlefield at Pecos National Historical Park
Washington, D.C. (February 20, 2025) – National Park Trust has announced the successful acquisition of a 2.18-acre property located within Pecos National Historical Park. This key parcel, situated at the heart of the historic Glorieta Pass battlefield, represents a critical effort to preserve an essential chapter of the Civil War in the American Southwest and prevent further encroachment on a nationally significant site.
The Battle of Glorieta Pass, fought in 1862, played a decisive role in thwarting Confederate plans to seize control of the West and secure strategic access to Pacific ports. Although Confederate forces initially gained ground, their advance was stopped when Union soldiers launched a bold maneuver to destroy the Confederate supply train. Without supplies, the Confederates were forced to retreat, ensuring that the Southwest remained under Union control for the rest of the war. Preserving this newly acquired property allows for the protection of battlefield remnants and restores the landscape, offering visitors a more complete understanding of the battle’s outcome and its broader impact on U.S. history.
The parcel currently contains modern structures, but with this acquisition, the National Park Service will be able to remove non-historic buildings and restore the landscape to reflect its 1862 condition. This restoration effort will not only enhance the park’s interpretive capabilities but also improve the area’s ecological health by restoring portions of Glorieta Creek, which runs through the property and is part of the Pecos River watershed.
“This project exemplifies the power of partnerships in preserving our nation’s most important historical sites. By securing this property, we are ensuring that the stories of those who fought at Glorieta Pass endure for future generations. We are honored to support efforts that protect our shared history and enhance the visitor experience at Pecos National Historical Park.”
Grace Lee, executive director of National Park Trust
National Park Trust led the effort to complete due diligence on the property, including environmental assessments and negotiations with the landowner, supported by a grant from the National Park Foundation. The process was finalized when the property was officially transferred to the National Park Service, ensuring its permanent protection.
Pecos National Historical Park spans over 11,500 years of history, from ancient Indigenous settlements to Mexican-era homesteads and the Santa Fe Trail. The park’s landscape includes Pecos Pueblo, Spanish Colonial missions, and sites related to the Civil War. Incorporating this newly acquired property into the park will strengthen the preservation of these stories while improving public access to historically significant areas.
To learn more about this project, please visit: https://parktrust.org/protected-parks/pecos-national-historical-park-nm-2024/
ABOUT NATIONAL PARK TRUST
National Park Trust’s mission is to preserve parks today and create park stewards for tomorrow. Since 1983, the Park Trust has acquired many of the missing pieces of our national parks, benefiting 56 national park sites across the country. Our national youth education and family initiatives, including our Buddy Bison, College Ambassador and Military Family Programs, and National Kids to Parks Day, serve tens of thousands of children annually and cultivate future park stewards. We believe our public parks, lands, and waters should be cared for, enjoyed, and preserved by all for current and future generations. Find out more at parktrust.org.
Media Contact: Ivan Levin at 540.818.5818 or ivan@parktrust.org.
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