Fort Mercer was a US Army fort located near Carrizozo, Lincoln County, New Mexico during the late 19th century. It was founded during the Mexican-American War and named for American Revolutionary War general Hugh Mercer, as was nearby Mercer Station, a supply stop for the Army garrison at the fort. The fort was abandoned when the garrison left to fight Native Americans farther north, but some of the soldiers deserted to search for gold. They stashed their gold in the fort's treasure room, which attracted many outlaw gangs to the deserted outpost during the Wild West era. In 1911, Bill Williamson's gang took over the fort, but they were driven out after an assault by former outlaw John Marston and his allies, who entered the fort in Nigel West Dickens' wagon and employed a Gatling gun against the fort's occupants. Williamson succeeded in escaping to Mexico, however, forcing Marston to pursue him across the border. Deserted once more, the fort was soon reoccupied by Mexican banditos, who maintained a presence there into 1914.
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