History of Bent County, Colorado
Bent County, located in southeastern Colorado, is a historically rich region that played a pivotal role in the expansion of the American West. Established in 1870, the county was named after William Bent, a prominent figure in Colorado’s early history, known for his involvement in the Bent’s Fort trade operations with Native American tribes. Originally part of the vast Louisiana Territory, Bent County’s history is intertwined with the development of the Santa Fe Trail, Native American relations, and the growth of agriculture and railroads. Today, the county is a symbol of the American frontier and offers a unique look into the heritage of the Old West.
Origins of Bent County
Native American Presence and Early Exploration
Long before European settlers arrived in the region, Bent County was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Cheyenne, Arapaho, and Comanche. The area, with its fertile plains and access to water sources such as the Arkansas River, provided ideal living conditions for these tribes. They relied on buffalo herds for food, clothing, and tools, and the region’s natural resources allowed for a nomadic lifestyle that evolved over centuries.
The first European explorers arrived in the area during the early 1800s. The famous explorer Zebulon Pike passed through the region during his expedition in 1806, although his travels did not focus on what would later become Bent County. In the following decades, other explorers and fur traders made their way to the Arkansas River, with many staying to establish trading posts. One of the most significant figures in this early era was William Bent.
William Bent and Bent’s Fort
William Bent, along with his brother Charles, established Bent’s Fort in 1833 on the banks of the Arkansas River, near the site of modern-day La Junta, Colorado. Bent’s Fort became a key trading post and meeting point between European settlers, fur traders, and Native American tribes, particularly the Cheyenne and Arapaho. The fort was strategically located along the Santa Fe Trail, a major route connecting Missouri to Santa Fe, New Mexico, and later Mexico. The fort became a vital hub for trade in the early 19th century, facilitating commerce in goods such as furs, textiles, and provisions.
Bent’s Fort is not only historically significant for its role in trade but also for its position in relations between Native Americans and European settlers. The fort’s location and the Bent brothers’ trade policies helped establish somewhat peaceful relations between the Native American tribes and the settlers, although tensions were always present. Bent’s Fort became a symbol of the complex cultural exchange that defined the early American frontier.
The Santa Fe Trail and Military Conflicts
In the mid-1800s, the Santa Fe Trail gained prominence as a key trade route. As thousands of settlers moved westward, it became the primary overland route for goods traveling from Missouri to the New Mexico Territory. Bent County, lying in the southern part of Colorado, was integral to this route, which passed along the Arkansas River and through the plains that would later be included in the county.
However, this influx of settlers and trade also led to increased conflict with Native American tribes, who saw their way of life and territories threatened by the growing presence of European Americans. One of the key flashpoints of tension was the massacre of Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes at Sand Creek in 1864, just north of Bent County. The massacre sparked significant unrest and led to the eventual displacement of many tribes from their ancestral lands.
Formation of Bent County
The Establishment of the County
Bent County was officially established in 1870, carved from the southern portion of El Paso County. The county was named in honor of William Bent, recognizing his contribution to the region’s early settlement and the trade that helped shape the area’s economy. At the time, the region was primarily rural and sparsely populated, with much of the land being used for agriculture and cattle ranching.
In the years following its formation, Bent County’s economy was shaped by its proximity to both the Santa Fe Trail and the Arkansas River, which provided access to transportation for agricultural goods and trade. The expansion of the railroad in the late 1800s further facilitated growth, particularly in the city of La Junta, which became the county seat and a key transportation hub for both freight and passengers.
The Rise of Agriculture and the Railroad
By the turn of the 20th century, agriculture had become the backbone of Bent County’s economy. The fertile plains were ideal for farming, particularly the cultivation of wheat, corn, and other grains. Irrigation from the Arkansas River allowed for consistent crop production, which helped the county’s farmers thrive in the arid climate of southeastern Colorado. The region also became a prominent cattle ranching area, further bolstered by the introduction of railroads, which enabled local farmers and ranchers to access national markets.
The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s played a crucial role in Bent County’s economic development. Rail connections helped the region become a trade and transportation hub, connecting the town of La Junta to other important cities in Colorado and beyond. With the increased accessibility provided by the railroad, the population of Bent County began to grow, and the county’s agricultural output expanded.
Key Historical Events in Bent County
The Sand Creek Massacre (1864)
The Sand Creek Massacre, one of the most tragic and infamous events in Colorado’s history, occurred just north of Bent County in 1864. This massacre, in which a Colorado militia unit attacked a peaceful camp of Cheyenne and Arapaho people, resulted in the deaths of approximately 150 to 200 Native Americans, mostly women and children. While the massacre occurred outside the boundaries of Bent County, its effects were felt throughout the region.
The massacre caused outrage across the country, leading to increased tensions between settlers, the U.S. government, and Native American tribes. It is also seen as a turning point in the relationship between the federal government and Native Americans, sparking a series of uprisings and conflicts throughout the region. The legacy of the Sand Creek Massacre still shapes the region’s cultural memory, and it serves as a reminder of the brutal treatment of Native American communities during westward expansion.
The Building of the Railroad and the Expansion of La Junta
By the late 1800s, La Junta had become the primary town in Bent County, due in large part to its strategic location at the crossroads of the Santa Fe Trail and the railroad. The arrival of the railroad in 1878 opened up new opportunities for commerce and settlement, transforming La Junta from a small village into a bustling town. The railroad also helped to cement La Junta’s role as a key transportation and trade center for the region, providing critical connections between Colorado and other parts of the United States.
The population of La Junta grew rapidly during this period, and the town became known for its commercial activity, particularly in agriculture and livestock. The construction of several large irrigation projects in the late 19th and early 20th centuries helped improve crop yields and further fueled the local economy.
Historical Sites in Bent County
1. Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site
Overview:
Bent’s Old Fort, originally built in 1833 by William and Charles Bent, is one of the most significant historical landmarks in Colorado. It served as a trading post, a military outpost, and a cultural hub during the 19th century. The fort was reconstructed and is now operated as a National Historic Site, where visitors can explore historical exhibits, reenactments, and learn about the role of the fort in the region’s history.
Location:
35110 Highway 194 East, La Junta, CO 81050
Ticket Price:
Adults: $7, Children (6-16): $3, Children under 6: Free
Parking Information:
Free parking is available on-site at the visitor center.
2. La Junta Historic District
Overview:
The La Junta Historic District includes several buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, showcasing the growth of the town as a transportation and agricultural hub. Key structures include the La Junta Train Depot and the old town hall, which played important roles in the development of the town. The district offers a fascinating look at the architectural heritage of this former railroad boomtown.
Location:
Main Street, La Junta, CO 81050
Ticket Price:
Free
Parking Information:
Street parking is available throughout the district.
3. Picketwire Canyonlands
Overview:
Picketwire Canyonlands is a stunning area located south of La Junta that features one of the largest concentrations of dinosaur footprints in North America. The canyon also has petroglyphs left by ancient Native American tribes. Visitors can hike to see these prehistoric remnants and experience the natural beauty of the region.
Location:
Picketwire Canyonlands, La Junta, CO 81050
Ticket Price:
Free (Note: Some tours may require a fee)
Parking Information:
Parking is available at the trailhead, though access may be limited depending on seasonal conditions.
County Facts
Geography and Climate
Bent County is located in southeastern Colorado, bordered by Kiowa County to the north, Prowers County to the east, and Baca County to the south. The county is characterized by its vast plains, which are interrupted by the Arkansas River, which flows from west to east across the county. The area is part of the high plains of the Great Plains region and experiences a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cold winters. Agriculture, particularly irrigation-based farming, is a key economic activity due to the availability of water from the Arkansas River.
The county’s proximity to the Rocky Mountains to the west and the Great Plains to the east provides it with unique ecological and agricultural opportunities. The climate is generally dry, with low annual rainfall, but the irrigation from the Arkansas River helps support farming in the region.
County Facts:
- Year Founded: 1870
- County Seat: La Junta
- Population: 6,000 (2020 Census)
- Population Density: 6.5 people per square mile
- Largest Cities: La Junta, Las Animas, Hasty
- Major Highways: U.S. Route 50, Colorado State Highway 109
- Adjacent Counties:
- Kiowa County (north)
- Prowers County (east)
- Baca County (south)
- Otero County (west)
