Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site

In the 1840s the Arkansas River was the border between territory claimed by the United States and Mexico. Located on 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. Step back in time to experience the sights, sounds, and smells of the past.

Bent's Old Fort

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 in background with wagon in front; fall yellow cottonwood leaves in foreground

Bent's Old Fort

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 with shortgrass prairie, tepee and wagon in foreground and blue sky & clouds above

Horse and Mule in the Plaza

Horse and Mule in the Plaza

Two animals are tied to a wooden frame in the interior of a large adobe structure.

Bent's Old Fort

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 with shortgrass prairie in foreground and blue sky and clouds above

Bent's Old Fort at night

Bent's Old Fort at night

An adobe fort with lights under a starry sky

Beads in the Trade room

Trade Room beads

bundles of glass trade beads tied together hang from a wooden rafter

The Past and Future at Bent's Old Fort

The Past and Future at Bent's Old Fort

A Conestoga wagon and a solar race car stand on a road with a large adobe fort in the background