Last updated: June 11, 2026
Place
Kit Carson Chapel and Second Fort Lyon
Wikimedia commons / Jeffrey Beall
Quick Facts
Location:
5 miles east of Las Animas, just off Hwy 50, Colorado.
Significance:
The Kit Carson Chapel is located at the site of the Second Fort Lyon, which was built for the defense of the Santa Fe Trail in 1867.
Designation:
Historic site on the Santa Fe NHT.
MANAGED BY:
John Rawlings Museum
Amenities
1 listed
Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits
Start exploring Fort Lyon, built for the defense of the Santa Fe Trail in 1867, at the Kit Carson Chapel. The 10th Cavalry Buffalo Soldiers were stationed here in the 1860s-1870s. Since the 19th century, the fort has been used for many purposes.
The Kit Carson Memorial Chapel was constructed by the Veterans Administration from rocks from the Surgeon General's Quarters on the east side of the Fort Lyon Parade Square. It was there that Kit Carson died on May 23, 1868.
Safety Considerations
The Kit Carson Memorial Chapel was constructed by the Veterans Administration from rocks from the Surgeon General's Quarters on the east side of the Fort Lyon Parade Square. It was there that Kit Carson died on May 23, 1868.
Site Information
Location (5 miles east of Las Animas, just off Hwy 50, Colorado.)Safety Considerations