Susan at A Southern Daydreamer is hosting Outdoor Wednesday today. Stop by her blog to check out the beautiful scenery of the participants.I thought today I would introduce you to something a little different from Colorado's countryside. In our effort to give our grandkids some different experiences this summer, we headed out to Bent's Old Fort northeast of La Junta, Colorado.
These cannons were never used in defense of the fort, only used for signaling and welcoming arriving trade caravans. So, welcome to the Fort!
The fort was established on the Santa Fe Trail in 1833, and at the time was the leading industry west of the Mississippi as a fur trading post.
The historic site designation was established in 1960 by Congress, and the reconstruction was completed in 1976.
"Even though it is OUTDOOR Wednesday, it's really hot out here; can't we go inside?"
Inside the adobe walls, it was actually quite cool. This is the "Trade Room" where trappers, traders, Indians, and various adventurers could barter the exchange of furs and hides for goods imported from around the world.
The blacksmith's shop was where the wagons, tools, etc. were constructed and repaired. Right, Wyatt??
They were even 'tablescaping' in the 1830s on the Santa Fe Trail.
Some yummy transferware!
They loved their dishes even then. Susan Magoffin, the first Anglo woman to travel the Santa Fe Trail spent some time at Bent's Fort recovering from a miscarriage.
Time to say goodbye to the resident peacock.
After we left the fort, we went into La Junta to visit the Koshare Indian Kiva & Museum, a wonderful treasure trove of Indian art and artifacts. No pictures were allowed inside; but it sure was a great ending to a day with the kids!
