Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site
Bent’s Old Fort is a fort located in Otero County in southeastern Colorado, United States. A company owned by Charles Bent and William Bent and Ceran St. Vrain built the fort in 1833 to trade with Southern Cheyenne and Arapaho Plains Indians and trappers for buffalo robes. For much of its 16-year history, the fort was the only major white American permanent settlement on the Santa Fe Trail between Missouri and the Mexican settlements. It was destroyed in 1849.
When the fort was reconstructed in 1976, its authenticity was based on the use of archaeological excavations, paintings and original sketches, diaries and other existing historical data from the period.
The reconstructed fort is open to the public. The area of the fort was designated a National Historic Site under the National Park Service on June 3, 1960. It was further designated a National Historic Landmark later that year on December 19, 1960.
Visitors park at the parking lot and walk the 1/4 mile (1,275 feet) trail to the reconstructed fort where you will be met by a park ranger. Brochures and a documentary film are available in one of the fort rooms. The park store is located at the left rear corner of the fort. Restrooms are located at the right rear corner of the fort.
Where it is:
Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site is located along the Arkansas River in southeastern Colorado.
The park is accessed via U.S. Highway 50 and Highway 194. From La Junta, Colorado on U.S. Highway 50, take Highway 109 north 1 mile to Highway 194, then east on Highway 194 six miles to the fort. From Las Animas, Colorado, on U.S. Highway 50, take Highway 194 west 13 miles. Set your GPS to 35110 State Highway 194 E., La Junta, CO.
Maps:
Interactive Google Map
Use the map + – controls to zoom in and out, click and drag the to move the map, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views. Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view.
GPS:
Cost:
All visitors must have one of these entrance passes:
| Pass | Price |
|---|---|
| Standard Pass | $10.00 |
| Annual Pass | $35.00 |
| America the Beautiful Pass (includes Senior Passes) | FREE–$80.00 |
Hours:
Bent’s Old Fort is open 7 days a week, except on except on New Year’s Day, the Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr, Washington’s Birthday, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Visitor hours for the fort are 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. The park’s entrance gate and grounds are open from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Location Contact Information:
Brent’s Old Fort National Historic Site Photo Gallery
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More Photographic Destinations in Colorado
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