 Bent's
Old Fort National Historic Site is an authentically reconstructed trading
post based on drawings, written journals and archaeological excavations;
"todays" fort was built in 1975-1976. The original post was constructed in
the early 1830's and quickly became a major trading site for Plains Indian
tribes and trappers. Owned by the partnership of Charles and William Bent
and Ceran St. Vrain, the fort played a prominent role as a supply base for
the expeditions of John Fremont and for American soldiers during the Mexican
War. The fort was blown up and abandoned two months after the Evans /Cherokee
Company passed it. The murder of Charles Bent at his Taos home in 1847 and
St. Vrain's unsuccessful attempts to sell the fort to the U.S. Army may have
set the stage for William Bent's abandonment.
"...wednesday 13 [June] Fort Bent 11[miles]..." Diary 1849. "...we came in sight of Ft. Bent...Stopped and sketched...Saw Robinson's name on the door. His company passed May 31..." June 6, 1850 Diary |
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