An ancestor of mine, Joseph Rock, took a civilian job at Fort Garland in November 1879 as a wagon maker, traveling from southeast Kansas. He died at Fort Garland 19 March 1880, and his body was shipped home for burial.

I do not expect to find any specific information about Joseph and his death in Fort Garland, but I'm trying to find some general background information about Fort Garland and the San Luis Valley of that period, things like what was the main form of transportation (and by what route would he have taken from Kansas); what was the population (size and demographics) and general environment (both the physical environment and the general news of the day), etc.

I've tried to find books on the subject, but haven't been able to find anything that is very informative of that historical period. I sent an email to the curator of the Fort Garland museum, but have not received a response.

Short of visiting the area myself (something I'd like do some day, but cannot at present), could anyone offer some suggestions for source material?

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

Patrick
Overland Park, KS