Bent’s New Fort Site Dedication – Santa Fe Trail Wayside Grand Opening

Post Modern Company had the great honor of an invitation to the October 19th Dedication Ceremony of the new Santa Fe Trail Site – Bent’s New Fort!

It was a dream came true for Santa Fe Trail fans when the site of Bent’s New Fort near Lamar opened to the public. In 1849, William Bent moved his famous frontier trading post east to a location along the Arkansas River near Lamar. Eventually, he built a stone fort on a bluff above the river. For over 100 years, this site has been off-limits to visitors. Now, thanks to the generosity of the Semmens family, the current land owners, the site in now open to the public. Five signage panels give illustrated information about the fort, Fort Lyon, Sand Creek, archaeology, and the Semmens family. A half mile hiking trail has been created with some of the work done by youth from Colorado Preserve and Boy Scouts of America from all over Colorado. Santa Fe Trail Association and National Park Service representatives were present as well as Semmens family members, community members, scholars and history buffs from across the country.

The highlight of the afternoon was the very special guest speaker, Keith Dochterman – direct descendant of William Bent and Owl Woman. Another special guest in attendance was John Carson, great-grandson of Kit Carson.

Submitted by Brad Semmens