Last updated: June 10, 2024
Place
Military Warehouse
NPS Photo
Quick Facts
Amenities
2 listed
Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Tactile Exhibit
The military Warehouse is one of the most interesting areas at Bent's Fort. This room contains a small basement and a split-level pit. It is apparent from archeological work that the basement had a wooden floor and a white plaster roof, and that its corner supports "probably extended to the ceiling of the main floor." Stairs, some 4.5 ft. wide were found leading from the outside walkway into the basement; these may have been constructed or altered during the Stagecoach period, and entry during Bent's time may have been by trap door and ladder.
The third level pit had dimensions of 8.5 ft. x 9.5 ft. and contained the charred remains of 14 barrels with two brass bibcocks, hundreds of trade beads, a spade, and seven flintlocks. Among these firearms were two guns that can be identified as Derringer Indian rifles and three others that bore the familiar dragon side plate and ramrod thimbles of Northwest trade guns. The arrangement of these underground features has lead to speculation. Evidence for use comes from the writings of Francis Parkman, who in 1846 noticed a man producing "a rusty key" and opening "a low door which led to a half-subterranean apartment." On August 23, 1843 Bent, St. Vrain & Company contracted with the Quartermaster Department to receive military provisions "weighing thirty-five thousand pounds or thereabouts." Additionally, Acting Assistant Quartermaster A.W. Enos was at Bent's Fort in 1846-47 when the post was being used as a supply base for the U.S. Army. Quite possibly, this warehouse was expanded or converted in response to the Mexican War and the convergence of soldiers on Bent's Fort.
Furnishings in this room reflect a strong military presence: boxes of "hardtack", haversacks, army style blankets and canteens, and U.S. Dragoon tack and ammunition boxes. Like the other warehouses, pieces of canvas and burlap, rope, stripes of rawhide and strands of tow were probably somewhere to be found. One can imagine the cuts and bruises, and the moans and groans of men straining to move these dusty, sticky, and nail or splinter infested mounds of merchandise.
The third level pit had dimensions of 8.5 ft. x 9.5 ft. and contained the charred remains of 14 barrels with two brass bibcocks, hundreds of trade beads, a spade, and seven flintlocks. Among these firearms were two guns that can be identified as Derringer Indian rifles and three others that bore the familiar dragon side plate and ramrod thimbles of Northwest trade guns. The arrangement of these underground features has lead to speculation. Evidence for use comes from the writings of Francis Parkman, who in 1846 noticed a man producing "a rusty key" and opening "a low door which led to a half-subterranean apartment." On August 23, 1843 Bent, St. Vrain & Company contracted with the Quartermaster Department to receive military provisions "weighing thirty-five thousand pounds or thereabouts." Additionally, Acting Assistant Quartermaster A.W. Enos was at Bent's Fort in 1846-47 when the post was being used as a supply base for the U.S. Army. Quite possibly, this warehouse was expanded or converted in response to the Mexican War and the convergence of soldiers on Bent's Fort.
Furnishings in this room reflect a strong military presence: boxes of "hardtack", haversacks, army style blankets and canteens, and U.S. Dragoon tack and ammunition boxes. Like the other warehouses, pieces of canvas and burlap, rope, stripes of rawhide and strands of tow were probably somewhere to be found. One can imagine the cuts and bruises, and the moans and groans of men straining to move these dusty, sticky, and nail or splinter infested mounds of merchandise.