Fort Nichols

7 mi S.W.

Established in May 1865, by Kit Carson, hero of Valverde and Brig. Gen., New Mexico Volunteers, to guard Santa Fe Trail and furnish escorts for caravans engaged in Santa Fe trade. Santa Fe Trail crossed this highway here and was first traveled by William Becknell's expedition from Missouri in 1823.

Marker is on 325 Highway 3.5 miles north of E0190 Road, on the left when traveling north.