Keep the weekend of Oct. 8 / 9 open. The Fort Bayard Historic Preservation Society and the Southern Trails Chapter of the Oregon California Trail Association are joining with the local LDS congregations to host a local celebration of the 175th anniversary of the arrival in San Diego of the Mormon Battalion under General Crooke.
The group is fortunate to have Kevin Henson, from Michigan, who over a 7-month period between 2007 - 2008, walked and did extended research on the route from Iowa to San Diego, as guest.
To take a step back, General Kearny and the Army of the West passed through the San Vicente area in mid-October of 1846. The Mormon Battalion camped at Cerro de Los Remedios, later named Cooke's Spring, on November 16, 1846. The 1859 - 1861 Butterfield Stage followed portions of Cooke's Road
On Oct. 8, a field trip will travel to the Fort Cummings / Cooke's Spring area.
On Oct. 9, a Mormon Battalion camp on the Fort Bayard Parade Ground (10 - 2) and a dedication of the Army of the West interpretative sign at the Silver City Visitor's Center at 4 PM will take place. The day will close with a informative program
featuring the Army of the West and the Mormon Battalion. presented by Dr. Doug Dinwiddie and Kevin Henson.
More information will be released by early October.