Current Exhibitions

Explorer or Spy? The Pike Legacy
Fort Garland celebrates the Bicentennial of Pike’s Exploration with Explorer or Spy? The Pike Legacy, an exhibition providing new perspectives on Zebulon Pike’s 1806–07 Louisiana Purchase expedition and his illegal entry into New Spain’s northern borderlands.

Buffalo Soldiers West
A permanent exhibition focusing on the opportunities black soldiers found in the military, and the controversies that surrounded them, during the Plains Indian Wars period from 1866 through 1891.

 After the Civil War many black soldiers eagerly responded to the government’s call for troops to help create permanent settlements in the West. Segregated black units were formed and over 10,000 black soldiers moved west to help create a new way of life they hoped their people would be able to share. The 9th cavalry of the U. S. Army was garrisoned at Fort Garland.

The exhibition contains extraordinary rare historic photographs depicting the Buffalo Soldiers in combat, on patrol, in the barracks, at work and at rest. Also on view is a collection of fascinating artifacts including everyday items used by the Buffalo Soldiers. 

The Four Careers of Kit Carson
A new permanent exhibit following the varied careers of the legendary Kit Carson - commandant of Fort Garland from 1866 - 1867. The exhibit looks beyond the legend and explores the life of the man, his family, and the people who influenced him. Carson ventured throughout the Southwest and West as a scout, government courier, Indian agent, and soldier.