Historical Significance:

Old Fort Cummings was established nearby the Butterfield-Overland Stage Station on October 2, 1868 by Captain Valentine Dresher, Company B, 1st CA Infantry, of the CA Column to control the Apache Indians and to protet the Butterfield=Overland stage route and the southern overland road to CA where it passed through Cooke's Pass.  Over the next ten years, the adobe walls of the fort were built up to a heighth of 10'. The walls surrounded a parade ground, a corral and several single story adoble buildings. The fort was abandonded in 1873 by the U.S. military; however, it was then occupied by the Apaches under Chief Victorio who launched a campaign against white settlers in the 1880's. All that remains of Fort Cummings today are the eroding fort walls and the remnants of the post cemetery to the south. All intered soldiers' remains were reinterred elsewhere.

A marker was placed by the Butterfield Trail Chapter NSDAR in 1935 at the old fort's location. This chapter disbanded years ago  Little mainteance is required and the marker is in good condition.  Two chapters, Jacob Bennett and Dona Ana, in the southern part of the state have agreed to make contributions to maintain this marker on an as needed basis.  A high clearance 4-wheel vehicle is needed to drive to this site.   The nearest lodging is approximately 20 miles away.