This cool, little relic could fit accurately in a Civil War or Indian War collection. It was metal-detected on the site of Fort Craig, New Mexico...not far from where the battle of Valverde took place in early 1862. Fort Craig was established in the mid-1850's and remained an active Army outpost until the late 1880's. The site was home to battles with Native Americans and Confederate soldiers at various times. The 1862 skirmish was actually pretty deadly for both sides. The Union and the Confederacy each lost over 200 men killed or wounded. This Confederate victory still failed to dislodge the Union troops in the area, but it did open a clear path for Rebel forces to approach Santa Fe. One particularly cool fact is that Kit Carson commanded the First New Mexican Volunteer Infantry during the battle.

 

This sword hanger is in outstanding excavated condition. I hope to be posting other relics from this site soon.