In the 1840s the Arkansas River was the border between territory claimed by the United States and Mexico. Located along the river, Bent's Fort was an adobe trading post on the Santa Fe Trail, where traders, trappers, travelers, and the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes came together in peaceful terms for trade. Today, a reconstructed fort allows visitors to explore the front line of Westward Expansion.

A park ranger speaks to visitors gathered around the fur press in the plaza of the reconstructed fort.

Plaza visitors

For much of its 16-year history, the fort was the only major permanent white settlement on the Santa Fe Trail between Missouri and the Mexican settlements.

Bent's Old Fort

Bent's Old Fort at night

The Past and Future at Bent's Old Fort

Horse and Mule in the Plaza

Trade Room beads

Beads in the Trade room

Pack saddles are at the ready.

Saddles in the Plaza

Boxes and Furs in the Plaza.

Boxes and Furs

The trade room catered to trappers, traders, the fort's labor force, and travelers from the ranks of soldiers, explorers, and adventurers.

Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site

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