2021 Bicentennial of the Santa Fe Trail

Living Historians in 1843 period clothing at Bicentennial of the Santa Fe Trail event September 26, 2021

© 2021 | Stuart West

In partnership with the Santa Fe Trail Association (SFTA), Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site was the backdrop for the Santa Fe Trail Bicentennial Symposium from September 23-26, 2021. The event, which included speakers, tours, and over 60 living historians, celebrated 200 years of commerce and cultural connections.

The fort’s multi-day living history effort was set in the year 1843, and a wide variety of living historians portrayed tradesmen, servants, explorers, hunters, and traders while they camped, cooked over fires, and lived as they did over 175 years ago. 3,145 visitors enjoyed the sights, sounds, and stories as Bent's Old Fort was brought back to life and bustling with activity.