Bents Old Fort

(La Junta CO)
Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site was recreated using plans drawn by an army officer that spent time in the original fort, and from various diaries. It was stocked with trade goods and decor from the era creating an authentic ambiance.

Recreated Bent's Old Fort

Bents Old Fort

It was a major stop along the Mountain Route portion of the Santa Fe Trail, positioned where it turned heading southward. They maintained herds of various livestock, like cattle, oxen, horses, mules, sheep, and chickens. A few were present during my visit.

Fort Interior

Inside Courtyard

Ready to ship furs

Furs in Storage Room

The fort served the buffalo hide trade with the natives, and provided services for the merchant wagon trains using the trail to reach the southwest and Mexico. At the time, the nearby Arkansas River was the border between the two countries.

Merchandise

Fort Store

Bent's Old Fort Pasture

Longhorn Cattle at the Fort

There were volunteers in period costume that did a good job showing how life was lived at the time. I was very impressed with the presentation of that historically important part of the Santa Fe Trail. Those interested certainly should visit when in the area.

Camp: Old Trail City Rest Area drycamp
Scene: Restored fort, supplies, livestock

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6 Responses to Bents Old Fort

  1. Dorothy August 14, 2016 at 11:50 am #

    That’s so interesting! You just keep sharing the best places. Thanks for this one, which I’ve never heard of before, and now want to visit.

    • Pleinguy August 14, 2016 at 5:27 pm #

      They’ve really done a good job of re-creating the fort and atmosphere of the era. Hope you get to see it sometime.

  2. Cheshire Cats Capers August 14, 2016 at 1:36 pm #

    We really enjoyed our visit to Bent’s Fort a while ago. There is so much history in the La Junta area. Have fun!

    • Pleinguy August 14, 2016 at 5:33 pm #

      A swing down to Boggsville was also worth the ride. I like historical places like these.

  3. Jan Mains August 15, 2016 at 6:31 am #

    I agree. We’ve been to a lot of places like this; but, this was so well done. I would suggest wearing bug spray, as the mosquitoes were bad walking the trail to the fort when we visited.

    • Pleinguy August 15, 2016 at 10:54 am #

      I lucked out and got to ride the golf cart shuttle. There is a wetland area by the fort, so your suggestion is a good one.

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