Traveling Through History

For centuries, the Arkansas River Valley has been an important travel corridor that shaped the nation’s history. Long before the fort was built, wildlife, native peoples, European explorers, trappers, and traders traveled through this river valley. After Mexico was opened to American traders in 1821, the Santa Fe Trail developed along routes used by the region’s early inhabitants. Over time, the Arkansas River Valley also served as a strategic military trail, a stagecoach route, and a railroad right-of-way. Eventually, U.S. Highway 50 allowed travel from Washington D.C. to the West Coast. Today, the river, trail route, railroad, and highway can all be seen from the fort as travelers cover in a few hours distances that once took months. In 1845 and 1846, Lt. James Abert traveled the Southwest on U.S. Army expeditions, spent time at Bent’s Old Fort, and documented his travels with journals, maps, and illustrations, including an August 9, 1845, image of a mounted Cheyenne warrior entitled to count his coups, or recite his exploits.

Colorado · United States