Fort Bascom was built under Brigadier General James H. Carleton. Its first post commander was Captain Peter W.L. Plympton with Company F, 7th U.S. Infantry and Company 1st New Mexico Volunteer Cavalry. It was named after Captain George N. Bascom, 16th U.S. Infantry. The officers quarters were constructed of sandstone and roofed with poles and earth, and all other buildings were constructed of adobe.
