las cruces is located south of --uquerque, 275 miles 55 miles north of el paso, texas. >> fort selden was established in may of 1865. the primary reason the fort was established was to protect the citizens of the missy of and travelers on the trade route, which was historically .he camino riau trade from santa fe to chihuahua and back. that was the primary purpose and againstection was apache raters more than anything else. that was why the fort was established here. the location was established from time out of mind this is been a spot where there was easy access to water and firewood. it provides all the surrounding enemiesyou can see coming, trade caravans. the soldiers who were here provided escort service so they would travel with people down the camino so that was the main purpose. the other purpose is served were people who were crossing the shortcut through the desert. this was a spot where they could rest, find water. there was a hospital here. that's why it was located here and that is the purpose of served. two period's of occupation. 18651878 is the first and they start th

las cruces is located south of --uquerque, 275 miles 55 miles north of el paso, texas. >> fort selden was established in may of 1865. the primary reason the fort was established was to protect the citizens of the missy of and travelers on the trade route, which was historically .he camino riau trade from santa fe to chihuahua and back. that was the primary purpose and the protection was