February 20-21, 1862: The Battle of Valverde marks a Confederate campaign in the far west..

You are there: In January 1862 General Henry Sibley sets his 2500 man Army of New Mexico in motion from the western-most Texas city of El Paso. His objective is to move directly north some 125 miles into New Mexico to first take the Union stronghold at Ft. Craig. From there, he intends to move up through Albuquerque to the state capital at Santa Fe and then back west to conquer California. It is a most ambitious plan.

His first objective, Ft. Craig, is built in 1854 along the Camino Royal trail to defend territory ceded by Mexico in the 1848 Treaty of Hidalgo, mainly against raids by Apache warriors. It is the largest such facility in the far west encompassing 64 acres, with formidable brick walls and extensive wooden interiors. “Quaker guns” – logs painted to look like cannons – are added to enhance its threatening appearance.

Inside the fort, Canby has some 3,000 troops, with 2,000 of them inexperienced Mexican Volunteers led by Colonel Kit Carson, and the rest Regulars.

On February 20, Sibley approaches the fort from the east side of the river. He decides against an assault on the fort, and instead hopes to bring Canby’s troops out for a stand up fight. But Canby refuses and Sibley’s men are stuck overnight in camp without water or rations.

On the morning of February 21, the Confederates head north some six miles from Ft. Craig intent on crossing over the Rio at Valverde Ford and sweeping down on the Federals. But Canby recognizes their movement and sends his own men to defend the ford.

With a light snow falling, the rebels are forced back to a dry riverbed before launching the only Lancer attack of the war which proves both courageous and entirely futile. By noon, Union forces have clearly gained the upper hand.

But then Canby realigns his forces, leaving a gap in his center which the 5th Texas Cavalry under Captain Thomas Green attacks. Union Artillery Captain Alexander McRae tries to rally his troops but his death signals a retreat by Canby back to the safety of Ft. Craig.

This ends the Battle of Valverde Ford, with casualties of 432 for the Union and 187 for the rebels. While the Confederate claim a victory, Canby saves his army and the fort and does crucial damage to Sibley’s baggage trains.

Both commander are criticized for their performances. After the fact, Canby blames the losses on the Mexican Volunteers rather than his own tactical blunder. Meanwhile Sibley, reportedly ill and perhaps drunk, exits the field early in favor of Captain Green.

The rebel campaign continues for another five weeks before ending in defeat after a loss at the Battle of Glorieta Pass, New Mexico.