Category: Bent’s Old Fort

The Life of William Bent

William Bent, a prominent trader during the Fur Trade era, was born in St. Louis in 1809. Bent followed his older brother, Charles, into the fur-trading business as a young man.

(Photo: Fine Art America)

William and Charles Bent formed the Bent St. Vrain Company, which specialized in American Indian trade. After traveling the Santa Fe Trail several times, the Bent’s – along with Ceran St. Vrain – formed Bent’s Fort, an adobe outpost along the north bank of the … Read the entire post >

Tesoro’s Team of Interpreters

Adult and Senior Education Programs

Tesoro Cultural Center was founded with the mission to create community-based events and educational outreach programs that celebrate our cultural heritage. Inspired by Colorado’s rich history, our events and programming feature traditional arts created by renowned artists, historical demonstrations and reenactments, music and more.Adult and Senior Education Programs

Tesoro Cultural Center’s core programming wouldn’t be possible without our dynamic team of historical interpreters. Tesoro’s interpreters strengthen ties between Tesoro and its visitors through advanced interpretative techniques that promote and create living history experiences for … Read the entire post >

Tagged with: , , , , ,

Celebrate Tesoro Cultural Center’s 1830s Rendezvous

From tomahawk throwing to hide scraping and flint and steel fire starting, we will celebrate the mountain men and frontier women of the Fur Trade era this September with our annual 1830s Rendezvous event.

This weekend-long celebration, now in its 16th year, features demonstrations, re-enactments and hands-on activities for all ages. The 1830s Rendezvous also honors those committed to excellence in historical interpretation and craftsmanship. This year, our honored guest and Tesoro de Hoy award recipient is John M. Carson, … Read the entire post >

Tagged with: , , , , , ,

Trade Economics at Bent’s Old Fort

During the 1830s and 1840s, people from many different cultures traveled the Santa Fe Trail and met at Bent’s Old Fort. Known as the “Castle of the Plains,” Bent’s Old Fort was a private international trading fort located on the Arkansas River which quickly became a hub of commerce and trade.

Hunters and fur trappers were essential to the outpost, bringing food and pelts to keep the rich fur trade thriving. American Indian interpreters maintained communication with surrounding tribes, while … Read the entire post >

Tagged with: , , , , , , ,
Top