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Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site
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In the 1800s, travelers from all over the United States stopped at Bent's Fort as they journeyed along the Santa Fe Trail. Located between La Junta and Las Animas near Lamar just off Highway 50 on County Road 194.
More than 150 years later, not much has changed. Roughly 30,000 visitors from around the world stop at the old fort every year to experience a piece of the Wild West's hey day.
Built in 1833 by brothers William and Charles Bent and Ceran St. Vrain, The Fort was a major stop for Indians, traders, military and Mexicans traveling between New Mexico and Missouri. It thrived until 1849, when William Bent -- rumored to be upset about unpaid debts incurred by the American military during the Mexican American War -- set it on fire.
Reconstructed in the 1970s in honor of Colorado's centennial and the nation's bicentennial, The Fort now is home to dozens of living history interpreters, who give daily guided tours year round.
The Fort, operated by the National Park Service, also holds special history events regularly. December's traditional holiday celebration is one of the most popular, with candlelight tours and traditional toy making. Kids enjoy July's Kid's Quarters, which allows children to assume a working role in The Fort.
Visitors should allow at least 90 minutes to explore The Fort -- even more if they wish to explore the area's other interesting historic sites. The nearby Koshare Indian Museum features an extensive collection of Indian artifacts as well as a troupe of tribal dancers, and pieces of the Santa Fe Trail -- complete with wagon ruts -- can be found five miles west of Lamar, just north of the Arkansas River.
Bent's Fort is open:
June through August from 8 am to 5:30 pm
September through May 9 am to 4 pm
Places to Stay and Fun Things to Do Near Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site
Kiowa County is an Oasis of Recreation. Conveniently located in Eads, affordable rates. Comfortable, clean rooms. The free continental breakfast features fresh hot waffles. High Speed Internet available.
In La Junta near Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site. This Native American Museum has a premiere collection of Native American Indian art, artifacts, trading post, tours, and Koshare dance performances.
Clean, comfortable & courteous hospitality in La Junta. Home-like rooms with printed sheets & recliners. Free WI-FI Internet. Listed in Frommers as a "Best Moderately Priced Accommodation." Pets allowed.
More Activities & Information
Fowler
Lamar
Download an area map of Bent's Old Fort
(Map provided by the U.S. National Park Service)
Download a floor plan of Bent's Old Fort
(Map provided by the U.S. National Park Service)
Directions:
The Fort is accessed via US Highway 50 and Highway 194.
From La Junta: US Highway 50, take Highway 109 north 1 mile to Highway 194, then east on Highway 194 six miles to the fort.
From Las Animas: US Highway 50, take Highway 194 west 13 miles.
Garden of the Gods Recreation Area • Great Sand Dunes National Park • Hovenweep National Monument • Mesa Verde National Park • Pawnee National Grassland • Pikes Peak • Rocky Mountain National Park • The United States Air Force Academy
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