Doug Dinwiddie – Military Protection Along the Southern Trail

Description

Doug Dinwiddie grew up in the old mining camp of Pinos Altos, near Silver City, New Mexico.  He earned both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in history from Western New Mexico University and a PhD in history and political science from Northern Arizona University.

After serving as curator and later director of the UNMU museum, he taught at the Carlsbad branch of New Mexico State University from 1987-2009. After retiring as a full professor in 2009, he worked as an instructor at Front Range Community College and as an Adjunct Professor of History at Colorado State University, both in Fort Collins, Colorado.

In 2015 Doug and wife Becky retired to Pinos Altos. They became active in the Fort Bayard Historic Preservation Society, in which he currently serves as Vice President. He also continues to follow his love for music by performing with the Concert Band of the Southwest. He has done considerable research on New Mexico frontier history and the US Army on the frontier.

From Lt. William Emory’s groundbreaking explorations of the Mexican War period, through the surrender of Geronimo in 1886, the US Army was tasked with providing information, guidance, and above all, protection, for settlers and travelers who ventured along the trails of southern New Mexico.  Dinwiddie will offer insights into how that was accomplished, and call attention to several places and individuals whose stories illustrate the hazards and challenges of the mission.