Old Fort Sumner Museum

De Baca County's original museum located seven miles southeast of Fort Sumner, in Old Fort Sumner, at the authentic grave site of Billy the Kid and Pals. Old Fort Sumner, New Mexico -- Where Billy the Kid's life ends, and the legend begins. 575-355-2942.

Billy the Kid's Grave

Located a few steps south of the Old Fort Sumner Museum. The tombstone has been stolen three times since its' placement in the 1940's. The grave is now enclosed by a metal cage and the cemetery is open to the public. There is no charge to visit Billy's grave.

Bosque Redondo Memorial

Located 1/4 mile west of Old Fort Sumner Museum is a State Monument with a visitor's center and historical exhibits. The U.S. Army built the fort in 1862, as westward expansion conflicted with Navajo and Apache homelands. During the infamous "The Long Walk" several thousand Navajos were forced to walk to Fort Sumner from their homeland, some 350 miles. Many died in route; of the 9,000 Navajos held at Fort Sumner, about 2,000 perished in the Army's ill fated experiment, which ended in 1868 with the signing of the Peace Treaty. 575-355-2573

Bosque Redondo Lake

Located five miles southeast of Fort Sumner. Camping is available year round at no charge. Visitors can fish from the bank and watch the beautiful New Mexico sunsets. 575-355-7705

Billy the Kid Museum

Located two miles from downtown Fort Sumner. Billy the Kid Museum features over 60,000 relics of the historic past including a rifle that belonged to Billy the Kid along with the documentation. The museum's collection includes John Tunstill's travelling case, antique cars, wagons, and much more. 575-355-2380

Historical WPA Murals

Located in the De Baca County Courthouse at 513 Avenue C. the scenes depict the history of the old fort, Billy the Kid, the birth of farming and ranching and coming of the railroad. 575-355-2601

Sumner Lake State Park

Located 16 miles northwest of Fort Sumner. The cabin area on the west side is a retirement community and popular weekend retreat serving all of New Mexico. Fishing and camping are enjoyed year round with water sports May through September. 575-355-2541

Old Fort Days

An annual event held the second weekend in June each year. Events include Little Britches Games, Musicfest, The Great American Cow Plop, Kids Goat Roping, Arts & Crafts Show, Kid's pet Show,Wild West Shoot Out, Classic Car Show, Parade, BBQ, Horseshoe Pitching contest, Quilt and Collectibles Show, Dineh Tah Navajo Dancers, Mud Tug of War, The World's Richest Billy the Kid Tombstone Race, two nights of Rodeo ending with a western dance. Other events take place throughout the four day event. For more information, call the Chamber of Commerce at 575-355-7705. Click here for the 2010 schedule.

Winterfest

Winterfest in Fort Sumner is held the second Saturday in December. A car show, an arts and crafts show and a visit from Santa are among the events planned for the day. For more information call the Chamber at 575-355-7705 or email at ftsumnercoc@plateautel.net

Fort Sumner Chamber of Commerce
707 North 4th Street
P.O. Box 28
Fort Sumner, NM 88119
Phone: 575-355-7705
Fax: 575-355-2850
E-mail: info@ftsumnerchamber.com
or ftsumnercoc@plateautel.net

Copyright 2009, Fort Sumner Chamber of Commerce
All Rights Reserved
Photos Copyright 1995 by Larry Brock and 2002 by David Burch
Other Photos By Ken Sweetster, Andrew Chavez & Joe Steele