Last updated: June 11, 2026
Place
Bent County Courthouse
Library of Congress
Quick Facts
Location:
725 Bent Avenue, Las Animas, Colorado.
Significance:
As Colorado experienced population growth following the American Civil War, government had to be closer to the people for commerce and justice to be better served in growing communities. Territorial Bent County was created in February 1870. Construction on the Bent County Courthouse began in 1887, and it has been in continuous use since 1889.
Designation:
National Register of Historic Places; Historic site on the Santa Fe NHT.
MANAGED BY:
Bent County
Amenities
1 listed
Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits
Bent County Courthouse is a site on the Santa Fe Trail. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.
Bent County Courthouse is the oldest functioning courthouse in Colorado and has been in continuous use since 1889. The Courthouse cupola blew off in the first years and was rebuilt in 2009.
Formed from portions of the Kansas Territory and New Mexico territory, Bent County has undergone several boundary changes throughout its history. Originally established and named Greenwood County in 1870, it was renamed Bent in 1874. As years progressed, it was divided into several other counties at different points in time. Bent County was named for William Bent, who had established three separate forts along the Arkansas River.
Bent County Courthouse is the oldest functioning courthouse in Colorado and has been in continuous use since 1889. The Courthouse cupola blew off in the first years and was rebuilt in 2009.
Formed from portions of the Kansas Territory and New Mexico territory, Bent County has undergone several boundary changes throughout its history. Originally established and named Greenwood County in 1870, it was renamed Bent in 1874. As years progressed, it was divided into several other counties at different points in time. Bent County was named for William Bent, who had established three separate forts along the Arkansas River.