The park is open; the reconstructed fort is temporarily closed
In November 2023, the second story of the reconstructed fort at Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site closed due to safety issues stemming from nearly fifty years of use and deficiencies in the original reconstruction of the Fort. A major snow event in early November 2024, deposited twenty-six inches of snow in the vicinity of the fort. This large amount of moisture accelerated previously documented and monitored areas of concern, creating numerous safety hazards which must be addressed. Frequently Asked Questions About The Reconstructed Fort Updated February 2025
Historical records indicate that that William Bent abandoned the original fort after 16 years due to a series of personal tragedies (the 1847 deaths of his wife, Owl Woman and his older brother and business partner Charles Bent), disruptions to the business model of the fort and the region resulting from the US-Mexican War. Its location relative to the Arkansas River threatened the fort with flooding every spring, and the severe wind and rain common to the climate of the area deteriorated the unprotected adobe at a rapid pace. By 1853, William Bent finished construction of a different fort to the west and travelers along the Santa Fe Trail describe the 1833 fort in “ruins.” However, portions of the remaining structure were used from 1860-75 as a post office and stagecoach station. In the 1880s and 1890s, a rancher used the remaining structure as a line camp. Ruins of the fort survived into the early 1900s; however, all aboveground ruins were washed away by flooding on the Arkansas River in 1921.
No matter how well conceived or executed, reconstructions are contemporary interpretations of the past rather than authentic survivals from it.
The reconstruction of Bent’s Old Fort was designed in 1973-74 and constructed on site in 1975-76 as a centerpiece of America’s Bicentennial and the Centennial of Colorado Statehood.
Construction of the reconstructed fort by the National Park Service began in 1975 and was completed in 1976. The new fort was envisioned to be an “authentic” and modern reconstruction of the original fort rather than an “accurate” representation of the fort that was built in 1833 by brothers Charles and William Bent. Often, the “design of the new structure diverged from the evidence available on the appearance of the original fort to meet modern safety, engineering needs” and “despite these modifications, it was believed that the reconstruction of Bent's Old Fort was ‘a historical project with the maximum authenticity.’” Although archaeological excavation of the site in the early 1960s found evidence of the 1833 fort’s foundational footprint, construction of the building above ground level was based on limited documentation.
In 1968, NPS managed to obtain an 1845 sketch of the fort which included several interior and exterior details that were previously unknown. Even so, architectural data was still limited, leaving approximately forty percent of the new fort to be constructed based on speculation. The new fort was built over the foundation of the original fort, and the walls were constructed of a Portland cement brick inner wall and an outer wall of stabilized adobe brick clad in adobe render. This resulted from an effort to reduce immediate and long-term costs and maintenance, by utilizing a mixture of Santa Fe adobe and contemporary masonry design. Over time, stucco was applied over the adobe render before the exterior walls were later “repaired” utilizing concrete block and cement stucco. Because of this hybrid design, special attention was required for structural continuity, finishing, and drainage of the walls and roofs. Other design components of the reconstructed fort consisted of concrete foundation, floors, and roof decks, concrete bond beams, insulation and water proofing, radiant heating, exhausting ventilation, plumbing, lighting, and power. These changes to the design aimed to improve the durability of the new fort, yet quickly led to significant engineering and design failures. The high cost of maintenance and upkeep of the reconstructed fort in the years after its completion led to a push for finding alternative materials that were more resistant to climatic and structural factors. Yet, these changes weakened the “accurate” design of the reconstructed fort. The reconstructed fort is temporarily closed due to safety issues stemming from nearly 50 years of use and deficiencies in the design and construction of the reconstructed Fort. A winter weather event in November 2024 accelerated previously documented and monitored areas of concern, creating numerous safety hazards which must be addressed.
A series of stabilization actions are being completed by park staff in the month of February. Once these are completed, engineers and safety officers will evaluate the condition of the building to determine the extent of public access. No change to the current closure is expected before April. Park grounds and trails are still open.
A series of operations modifications are underway for the busier visitation season that begins in the spring and summer. A temporary Contact Station is being obtained to be placed at the visitor parking area to provide a base of operations for park staff and the Western National Park Store. This facility is expected to be in place by late Spring.
The Stories from the Borderlands programs are continuing off-site at Woodruff Memorial Library in La Junta, exploring different facets of the Fort’s story. On-site programs will return on a regular basis when the weather begins to grow warmer and the temporary Contact Station is in place. ![]() NPS photo ![]() NPS Photo ![]() NPS Photo ![]() NPS photo ![]() NPS Photo ![]() NPS Photo ![]() Reconstructing the Fort
Bent’s Old Fort was completely reconstructed by the National Park Service as a Bicentennial project and was dedicated on July 25, 1976. ![]() Architecture born of earth
Construction of the original Bent’s Old Fort was started in 1833 and completed probably in the spring of 1835. ![]() Reconstruction Photo Galleries
Photographs of the 1976 Reconstruction showing current conditions and construction images from the 1970s. |
Last updated: February 12, 2025