Bent’s Old Fort stands along the Santa Fe Trail, adjacent to the Arkansas River and just east of La Junta. Situated within a National Historic Site, the current structure reconstructs the historic fort lost to time and flood. For decades, Bent’s Old Fort has anchored the identity of southeastern Colorado. Hundreds of students and travelers visit each year, supporting local businesses and connecting with one of the state’s most significant historic landmarks. The location remains a vital link to Colorado’s early story of trade, diplomacy, and cultural connection along the Santa Fe Trail.
The structure that stands today was dedicated on July 25, 1976, during a moment of heightened national reflection as the United States marked its Bicentennial and Colorado celebrated its Centennial. The reconstruction of Bent’s Old Fort was an intentional effort to reconnect the public with the complex borderlands histories that shaped the American West. Rather than preserving a ruin, the project sought to create an immersive, educational experience that would make the region’s past tangible and accessible to future generations.
While the present-day fort is a reconstruction, it honors the original Bent’s Old Fort, first constructed in 1833. As one of the most significant trading posts in the American West, it served as a multicultural borderland where Native Americans, Mexicans, and Anglo traders shaped the story of Colorado long before statehood. Its influence extended far beyond its walls and resonated across the wide economic, cultural, and political networks of the Santa Fe Trail. These connections continue to define the story of southeastern Colorado as a landscape of diverse cultures and intertwined histories.
As the current building enters its 50th year, decades of weathering, wear, and the complex mix of materials used in the 1970s reconstruction have raised significant structural concerns. The fort incorporates compressed dirt, wood, plaster, concrete, and composites, all aging differently and making repairs increasingly complex. Multiple repairs over the years have raised concerns that jeopardize the building’s use. The upper story has become unsafe, several structural vigas are failing, and large sections of exterior stucco are actively separating from the walls. The National Park Service has restricted access to guided tours through only a small, safe portion of the building to protect both visitors and the resource.
CPI is working with the National Park Service, History Colorado, the City of La Junta, Otero County, and other local stakeholders to explore the possibilities of preservation. Together, we are helping ensure Bent’s Old Fort continues to educate, inspire, and welcome travelers exploring southeastern Colorado, a region rich in open landscapes, small-town hospitality, and stories that continue to shape the state’s identity today.