Fort Massachusetts is the first US military fort in Colorado (1852-1858).  It was occupied approximately half way between the War With Mexico and the Civil War.  During this period the army was undergoing major changes in organization, weapons, uniforms, and types of units.  Many of these changes are poorly documented except in the archaeological record.  The fort was occupied by two companies of soldiers plus a number of women and children.  A numer of people prominent in history visited the fort such as Kit Carson and Tom Tobin.

In 1858 the garrison was moved 6 miles south to Fort Garland.  By 1920 all surface traces of the fort were gone and its location was lost.  It was briefly rediscovered in the 1960s but again forgotten.  We have been working on the fort since 2010 and this will be our last season on this site.

We teach the full range of excavation techniques from traditional to high tech as applicable.  We also help the students begin to see the site through the eyes of a 19th century occupant through the use of historical reenactors and a number of period activities such as flag ceremonies, cannon firing, and a Victorian ball.