Bent’s Old Fort Revival Begins: Historic “Castle on the Plains” Named Endangered, Restoration Efforts Launch
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Description: Bent’s Old Fort in Colorado enters a new era as preservation efforts begin after being named one of the state’s most endangered historic places. Community invited to Santa Fe Trail Day on April 24. Read the full Press release...
Saving a Timeless Treasure: The Rebirth of Bent’s Old Fort
1833-1849; 1976-2026; and Beyond
It was “as though an air-built castle had dropped to earth… in the midst of the vast desert.”
Matt C. Fields, 1841
Travelers of the early 19th century and modern visitors alike have had the privilege of experiencing the wondrous adobe castle built by William and Charles Bent, and Ceran St. Vain, in 1832-’33. Though abandoned in by William Bent in 1849, the reconstructed fort was brought back to life in 1976. For more than 66 years combined, this amazing fortress has awed and inspired the people who entered into it.
“It was an exciting place to be, and I am so pleased that people could come to the Fort and could be a part of it and could walk through it; for example, in the evening and feel the ghosts of the Fort rise around them. Ah, it’s an exciting place to be!”
Ed Stafford, 2024
Since Bent’s Fort was meticulously and accurately rebuilt by the National Park Service in 1976, it has garnered a large entourage of friends and supporters. The Fort effectively served as a living history museum to the public for nearly fifty years, offering visitors a unique and fascinating educational experience.
It came as quite a shock and disappointment to many folks as they witnessed this living monument seeming to disappear piece by piece over the last several years. First the livestock faded from the landscape; then the special events and living history volunteers who brought the fort to life dwindled to none; finally the walls themselves began to crumble and melt.
In 2025, according to media reports, the National Park Service determined that because the Fort is a reconstruction and its condition was so poor, that it could not be considered eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. Many people who love the Fort feared that the park would just be closed to the public and the structure demolished altogether.
Fortunately, Dawn DiPrince, History Colorado’s Executive Director and State Historic Preservation Officer, believed in the Fort’s future and its national significance. Dawn, a native of La Junta, had proven to be a great supporter, promoter, and staunch defender of southeast Colorado’s historic sites over the years. She refers to these venues--including Bent’s Forts (Old and New), Boggsville, Sand Creek, Ft. Lyon and Amache--as her “beloved… connected spaces” that tell a very special and fascinating story.
In honor of Dawn’s commitment to the preservation of the heritage sites of our area, the Las Animas Student Council (Las Animas High School, Las Animas, CO) named her the Grand Marshal of the 92nd commemoration of Santa Fe Trail Day (SFTD). This important event, that began in 1934 at Bent County High School, also presents an opportunity for Bent’s Old Fort to receive the honor, recognition and preservation that it needs and is worthy of.
This annual celebration of our history offers the chance for a renewed focus on the roots that created our amazing local society and culture and gives us hope and inspiration for a bright future; a future that includes and embraces Bent’s Old Fort: The Castle on the Plains.
On February 12, 2026, Colorado Preservation Inc. named the structure as one of Colorado’s Most Endangered Places. The resurrection has begun!
This is a call to all those who treasure Bent’s Fort and what it represents: Former employees, volunteers, living historians, friends and supporters are being asked to gather together in Las Animas for this very important and meaningful event to celebrate the beginning of the third era of Bent’s Old Fort.
Dawn DiPrince will be leading the SFTD parade, so please join us, either by participating in the parade behind her or by offering encouragement and support from the sidelines.
We look forward to seeing you in Las Animas on April 24th!
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