Pigeon's Ranch: Cultural Landscape Inventory, Pecos National Historical Park, National Park Service

Cowley, Jill; Gasper, Shalie

Pigeon’s Ranch is located within the Glorieta Unit of Pecos National Historical Park (NHP), positioned just east of Santa Fe, New Mexico. The landscape is nationally significant for associations with the Civil War, Native American and Spanish history, and the history of the Santa Fe Trail and Route 66. Referred to as “the Gettysburg of the West,” the Glorieta Battlefield is one of 38 Civil War sites in the National Park System and one of only three Civil War battlefields west of the Mississippi River. Although it was a relatively minor action when compared with the great conflicts of the East in terms of numbers of soldiers involved and the numbers of casualties, the battle consequences were far-reaching. The Battle of Glorieta Pass, fought on March 26-28, 1862, is significant as a decisive battle of the Civil War in this region of the country, ending Confederate plans to take the West. The Confederate grand design for gaining the riches and support of the West collapsed as the Texans were turned back from their quest to gain control of Fort Union, Denver, and California. Except for some fighting in eastern Kansas and Oklahoma, Civil War conflict in the West ended at Glorieta Pass. Pigeon's Ranch was used as a field hospital by both Union and Confederate troops. The landscape period of significance is 1862 to 1936, beginning with the Battle of Glorieta Pass and including associations with the important transportation routes that passed through the landscape. The historic Pigeon's Ranch Building is the only structure remaining from the time of the Civil War battle. An old well, the riparian corridor, and topographic high points critical to the battle are also included within the landscape. Pigeon’s Ranch is nationally significant in areas of military, exploration/settlement, and agriculture. In addition to being the site of the Civil War battle, Pigeon’s Ranch and the surrounding area stood along an important corridor for westward trade and transit. The Santa Fe Trail, railroad, and Route 66 national highway all traversed this area. This contributed to the role of the Pigeon’s Ranch Building as a dwelling, post office, and store during the early 1900s, as well as farming and settlement of the surrounding landscape. It is also significant due to the presence of prehistoric and historic resources recovered during archeological excavation. The Pigeon’s Ranch Subunit is a component landscape of a broader landscape associated with the Battle of Glorieta, which includes the Cañoncito Subunit, Camp Lewis, and the corridor between these sites. The Glorieta Unit of the park was established in November of 1990. In addition, the Glorieta Battlefield was designated a National Historical Landmark in 1961 and is on the New Mexico State Register of Cultural Properties. Many features of the landscape, including the buildings and memorials, attest to the site’s use over the years. Although changes have occurred, many of the distinct topographic and natural features present at the time of the battle remain evident, and the landscape continues to retain sufficient integrity to convey its importance to various communities over a wide span of years.

Pigeon's Ranch: Cultural Landscape Inventory, Pecos National Historical Park, National Park Service

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