March 1st, 2008

The Battle of Valverde (February 20–February 21, 1862), fought in and around the town of Valverde in the New Mexico Territory, was a major Confederate success in the New Mexico Campaign of the American Civil War, despite having to retreat later after the Battle of Glorieta Pass, which was a Union victory. The opposing forces were Confederate cavalry from Texas and several companies of "Arizona" (actually southern New Mexico) Confederate volunteers versus U. S. Army regulars and Union volunteers from northern New Mexico.

General Henry Hopkins Sibley led his brigade of about 2,500 men across the Rio Grande and up the eastern side of the river to the ford near Valverde, north of Fort Craig, New Mexico, hoping to cut Union ("Federal") communications between the fort and their headquarters in Santa Fe. Union Lt. Colonel Edward Richard Sprigg Canby left Fort Craig with 3,200 men to prevent the Confederates from crossing the river. Just when he was opposite them, Canby opened fire in haste and then sent Union cavalry and limited infantry and artillery over the river, forcing the Rebels back.

The Confederates halted their retreat somewhere along the Old Rio Grande river bed, which served as an excellent defensive position. After crossing over all of his men, Canby decided that a massive frontal assault would fail and deployed his force to assault the Confederate left flank. Before he could do so, the Confederates attacked. The Federals countered with a cavalry charge, but the main Confederate force pressed on in a frontal assault, capturing an artillery battery of six artillery pieces and breaking the Union battle line, which soon caused a rout. Canby quickly managed to reorganize his men and ordered a retreat back to the fort. Confederate reinforcements arrived and Sibley was going to order another attack, when Canby sent a white flag asking for a truce to remove the bodies of the dead and wounded. Sibley gentlemanly agreed.

Left in possession of the battlefield, the Confederates claimed victory but had suffered heavy casualties. Although they would go on to occupy Albuquerque and Santa Fe, they would be forced to leave the New Mexico Territory after only a few months due to a lack of supplies. The Confederates retreated to El Paso, Texas, the starting point of the campaign, with Canby's Federals slowly following but not making any attempt to renew the fighting.

Experience the reenactment of the Battle!

The siege of Socorro will take place on Friday, Feb. 29, 4 p.m., at Clarke Field.

This in-town running battle reenactment is the only one like it in the United States.

On Saturday, March 1, the Battle of Val Verde will be fought at the Escondida Bridge on the Rio Grande.

Additional battles and tactical exhibitions continue on Sunday, March 2.

These events include authentic 1860s elements of infantry, mounted cavalry and artillery units typical of the time. Artillery — those are the folks that fire-off those 12-pound Howitzer cannons.

All of these public activities, from the Civil War re enactors at Socorro and

Escondida, to the Camino Real Center, is intended to keep this local history and heritage alive. Whether you are a history buff or not, you will enjoy these activities portraying life along the Rio Grande 140 years ago. Bring your camera.

After the reenactment learn some of the more fascinating facts of the battle and its ghosts!

The Southwest Ghost Hunter's Association presents "The ghosts of the Civil War" at the Garcia Opera House (110 Abeyta Avenue West ) in Socorro. The presentation starts at 7:00pm and is followed by a ghost tour of Socorro.

The plot line of the classic film, "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" was centered around the Civil War in New Mexico. The presentation covers where parts of the film are occurring in New Mexico as well as details of the battle of Val Verde.

The Ghost Hunters will also showcase their findings of possible paranormal activity at the battlefield that was collected through multiple investigations and interviews.

The Socorro Ghost tour covers half a dozen locations that are rumored to be haunted. Hear the stories, see the evidence collected by the ghost hunters and decide for yourself if these historical places are actually visited by the spirits of yesteryear.

Admission for both is only $25.00

Seating is limited so act promptly

Tickets may be purchased at the door or on-line by clicking the Buy now button

Your paypal receipt is your ticket for the event.

The Garcia Opera House

How to find the Reenactment and Presentations

The Val Verde battle reenactment is located at the Escondida Bridge on the Rio Grande. From I-25 take the Escondida exit (2miles north of Socorro) and head East. Follow the signs to Escondida lake and the parking area.

The Garcia Opera House is located on the corner of California Street and Abeyta Avenue in Socorro.

 

For additional information, please call 505-264-5703

Disclaimer

By the purchase, use or acceptance of our ticket for the activity listed there on, and or by participation in same, the participant as well as any heirs or assignees agree to hold harmless and release, both now and in perpetuity, the Southwest Ghost Hunter's Association (SGHA) and its agents, employees, contractors and or representatives from any and all liability, injury, accident, death, harm, financial loss or incidental damages or any other circumstance arising from or that may occur during, immediately preceding or following or is in any way related to participation in said activity, whether or not due to omission, negligence, incompetence, failure or any other reason on the part of or by SGHA. Participant understands that said activity may be physically strenuous and potentially hazardous, and agrees that they are in adequate physical and mental condition to participate as well as adequately outfitted and clothed.