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    Bent's Old Fort

    National Historic Site Colorado

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  • Events and activities subject to change

    The public should be prepared for reduced hours and services provided by Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site employees due to the sequestration that became effective March 1, 2013. Please check back often for further details or changes.

Wetlands, Marshes and Swamps

Nature and Science

Large wetland

(Levi Castello)

The historic site includes two wetlands and a pond which encompass approximately 148.5 acres.The larger wetland is a four to six foot depression area located on the second floodplain bench of the Arkansas River. It is three to five feet higher in elevation than the tamarisk invasion zone. The smaller wetland is located below the pond and drains into the river at high water events. Until 2000 there was no comprehensive inventory of plants or fish of the wetland areas.

Did You Know?

Bent's Fort

Bent's Fort was on the boundary with Mexico in the 1830s and 1840s.  It was 600 miles from the nearest town in Missouri.