Bents Old Fort
Bents Old Fort (1833-1849) - A fur trading post started in 1828 and completed in 1833 by William Bent, Charles Bent and Ceran St. Vrain in Otero County, Colorado. Abandoned in 1849. Originally known as Fort William.
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Bents Old Fort History
An adobe fur trading post built along the Santa Fe Trail in Otero County, Colorado. Construction started in 1828 and was completed in 1833 by William Bent, Charles Bent and Ceran St. Vrain. The massive post was two stories high built of adobe brick with two bastions on opposing corners. The post was located at a strategic point along the Santa Fe Trail adjacent to the Arkansas River.
Charles Bent died in 1847 and the two remaining partners sought unsuccessfully to lease or sell the post to the U.S. Army. The post was abandoned in 1849 and partially destroyed by William Bent.
Current Status
The fort has been almost completely rebuilt and is operated by the National Park service as Bents Old Fort National Historic Site, Otero County, Colorado.
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Location: Bents Old Fort National Historic Site, Otero County, Colorado. Maps & Images Lat: 38.0405635 Long: -103.4293827 |
Sources:
- Roberts, Robert B., Encyclopedia of Historic Forts: The Military, Pioneer, and Trading Posts of the United States, Macmillan, New York, 1988, 10th printing, ISBN 0-02-926880-X, page 101-103
- Hart, Herbert M., Tour Guide to Old Western Forts, Pruett Publishing Co., Boulder CO, 1980, ISBN 0-87108-568-2, page 42
Links:
- North American Forts - Bents Old Fort
- Ghost Towns - Bent's Old Fort
- National Park Service - Bent's Old Fort
Visited: 22 Sep 2011
Bents Old Fort Picture Gallery
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