FORT GARLAND  – History Colorado invites the community to a special celebration at the Fort Garland Museum and Cultural Center on Monday, June 24, to celebrate the 161st anniversary of the founding of the Fort in 1858. The museum will offer free admission and 10 percent off gift shop purchases all day long. All visitors are welcome.

On June 24, 1858, army personnel stationed at Fort Massachusetts moved south to the site of Fort Garland, where they became the first active military personnel stationed at the Fort. The museum and cultural center stands on the site of this historic outpost, and utilizes many of the original adobe buildings, which have been preserved and maintained.

Fort Garland is an important piece of Colorado heritage, with an incredible history. It was commanded for a time by legendary frontiersmen Kit Carson and has long served as a cultural centerpiece of the San Luis Valley. It protected the earliest settlers in the valley, and still serves their descendants as a place of learning, education and heritage.

To celebrate 161 years of Fort Garland, the museum is not only offering free admission to all guests as well as discount on gift shop purchases, but also will be providing free lunch and dessert. Hot dogs, drinks, and birthday cake will be served to residents and visitors without charge between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.