SECO NEWS - Bent’s Fort Flooded - Interview & Walk Through 8/17/22

Bent’s Fort Flooded - Interview & Walk Through 8/17/22

Description: Press Play to Watch the Walk-through video and interview with tour guide Alicia LaFever at Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site on August 17, 2022.

Published: 08/17/2022

Byline: Hart

Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site Flooded - Interview & Walk Through 8/17/22

(Update: Bent's Fort is Open to the Public as of 8/18/22 at 8am)

Wednesday morning Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site announced that the Fort would be closed due to flooding.

Southeast Colorado received heavy rainfall Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning, which caused flooding at Bent’s Old Fort in La Junta.

Fort Superintendent Stuart West reported that they recently installed a drainage system, which was overwhelmed with the rainfall.

The storm also caused damage to some of the adobe walls, which according to LaFever should be repaired after everything dries out.

Repair of the adobe walls is practically routine maintenance at the fort, according to LaFever. She made note that the adobe separation from the brick gives it a real "authentic look," but it shouldn't be long before repairs are made.

Once the water recedes, the Fort will once again be open to the public.

The upcoming Labor Day event is unaffected and still planned to be held.

LaFever added that the candlelight tours in December are so popular they will hold registration online, watch for updates on the Bent’s Old Fort Facebook Page and Website.

Watch the Interview with Park Guide Alicia LaFever from the Bent's Old Fort Courtyard on Aug 17, 2022.