Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site, Sand Creek Massacre NHS, and La Junta, CO

 

 (Entrance to the fort)

Situated along the Old Santa Fe Trail, in present day La Junta, Colorado, is a reconstructed trading post where at one time mountain men, various Indigenous tribes, Mexicans, and Anglos converged. Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site was the main trading grounds for the Bent, St. Vrain Co., it was a multi-cultural hub during the mid-1800s and not uncommon to hear a handful of different languages spoken on the property. During its prime, the dealings at the fort actually impacted global economics. Bent’s Old Fort represents a unique time in borderlands and American West history.

We visited for the first time during their limited candlelight tours, which usually take place a couple of weekends in December. (Tickets are required). During this special tour, volunteer living history reenactors help to make history come alive. The fort was beautiful by candlelight, as shadows flickered and lurked along the interior/exterior walls. 

                                                        (Interior galley)

(Furs and storage room)

Earlier in the day we visited the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site, located in Eads, Colorado (1.5 hours east of Bent's Old Fort). This is a sobering and moving memorial to the Cheyenne and Arapaho individuals who died during the American Indian Wars. Chief Black Kettle flew the American Flag and a white flag, as a sign of peace. However, General Chivington of the 1st Colorado Infantry (Volunteers) and 3rd Regiment of Colorado Cavalry ignored the peace signs, ordering an attack. Most of the casualties were of women, children, and elderly. 

The park is completely an outdoor experience designed to be a walking tour. There is a small mobile unit set up for visitor contact and small bookstore. The park is isolated and remote but honors a significant moment in Colorado history. I'm glad I was finally able to make my way here. 

(Sand Creek Massacre site located in Eads, CO. 

Prepare for a lot of driving but worth it.)

It is a long, dusty drive to see these two sites (we had fun dodging tumbleweeds along the way), so I definitely recommend making an overnight trip. If you want a place to stay not too far from the fort, I suggest KOA Journey in La Junta, CO. It was clean, close, and had an adorable caboose to rent for a night! The interior of the caboose looked practically new and was designed with an eye for detail and an artsy vibe.  

We had so much fun!

(KOA Journey office, La Junta)

(The caboose we stayed in and LOVED)