Bent’s Old Fort - La Junta, CO

Bent’s Old Fort - La Junta, CO

Bent’s Old Fort was built in 1833 to act as a trading post.  It not only did the job of providing the duties of the trading post but it also had enough sleeping rooms to house up to 200 people.  With this being the case it quickly became a center for cultural interactions between the American settlers, Mexicans and the Plains Indians.  The Bent brothers, who built the post, worked hard to keep the relationships between the different ethnic groups on a smooth basis.  In fact, William Bent married Mis-stan-sta in 1835 and further helped to bridge two cultures and maintain peace between them.

The fort was reconstructed in 1976 out of the adobe that is so efficient for building material in the dry climate of the West.  When you enter the buildings you will be able to stroll through the many corridors, rooms and commons areas to get a feeling of what it must have been like to live in the old trading post.  One thing that was offered that was so valuable to everyone was protection, from the elements and from other sources of trouble.

The employees at the fort dress in period clothing and are most willing to answer any questions you may have about life in the fort.

Now think about those that lived and worked in the fort.  In addition to English, French and Spanish, the fort’s dedicated translators also had to be fluent in Cheyenne, Arapaho, Kiowa, Comanche, Ute and Lakota. Needless to say, the translators’ experience among these tribes—and their ability to absorb their language—proved invaluable to the exchange of goods and services at the fort.

The fort has high thresholds, steep stairs, and open two story walks without handholds so when you are on the tour make sure that you keep your children close to you.  They are not allowed to run or be rowdy in the fort for the safety and comfort of everyone.

During the time of the fort the Indian tribes that were in the area were the Cheyenne, Arapaho, Kiowa, and Comanche.

While guided tours are available year-round, the hours vary from season to season. From September through May, tours are held at 10:30 am and 1 pm. In summer, the tour schedule expands to include times at 9:30 am, 11 am, 1 pm and 2:30 pm.

The park is open every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day.

Hours and Fees: There is a fee for visiting which is $3.00 for adults, $2.00 for child 6 to 12 years of age with children under 6 years of age free. Interagency passports are honored. Hours of operation are 8:00 Am to 5:30 PM June through August and 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM September through May. No reservations are necessary for guided tours in the summer. Summer tours start at 9:30, 11:00 AM, and 1:00, 2:30 PM. Winter tours (September through May) start at 10:30 AM and 1:00 PM. Winter group tours can be reserved by calling (719) 383-5026

Some things you need to remember: No smoking in the fort or on the trail. Smoking is not permitted past the contact station.

No alcohol, food, or open beverages in the fort.

Pets must be on a leash, are not allowed in the rooms, and must be with you at all times.

Keep off of walls and room furnishings.

Location:
35110 Hwy. 194 E., La Junta, CO 81050-9523

Phone: 719-383-5010