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Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site Fort plaza filled with people
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Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site
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Life at the Fort
Bent’s Old Fort was one of the significant centers of fur trade on the Santa Fe Trail, influencing economics around the world in the 1830s and 1840s. Meet some of the people who helped to keep the fort running.

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Photo of the blacksmith at Bent's Old Fort.

NPS Image

The blacksmith at the fort

Blacksmith
Sometimes called the “heart and soul” of the fort, the blacksmith kept the wagons and trade operations rolling. They were the “mechanics” and “repairmen” of the day.

 
Photo of a cook at Bent's Old Fort

NPS Image

A cook begins the process of roasting meat for guests at the fort.

Cook
Several cooks were employed at the fort to help feed workers, traders, and guests. They were usually found in the kitchen amid the smells of fragrant cedar smoke, spices and foods.

 
Photo of a trader bartering at Bent's Old Fort

NPS Image

A trader bartering at the fort.

Trader
Traders bartered in the “general store” or trade room through a simple exchange of goods or an extension of credit.

 
Photo of the doctor examining a patient.

NPS Image

The doctor examines a patient at the fort.

Doctor
A visit to the doctor was sometimes unpleasant. Medicine of the time would be considered primitive compared to present day.

 

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Bullet making

Did You Know?
Frontiersmen carried bars of lead and made their own bullets using a ladle and a bullet mold. Heated over a hot fire, the molten lead was poured into the mold, let cool and then opened, allowing the bullet to fall out.
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Last Updated: January 17, 2011 at 10:17 MST