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, park ranger and interpreter at Bent’s Old Fort. Guests will have the opportunity to talk to Mr. Carson during the daytime events, as well as purchase his books. Learn more about Mr. Carson and his roots at the historic site here.
During the weekend, guests will be able to immerse themselves in interactive activities like learning to throw a tomahawk and rope making. Demonstrations will include black powder shooting and blacksmithing, which highlight the crafts and skills necessary to survive on the Colorado plains during the Bent’s Old Fort era in the mid 1800s.
The Bent’s Old Fort era, which coincides with the American Fur Trade era, lasted from 1833 to 1849. Bent’s Old Fort, originally constructed near La Junta, Colorado, was an international trading post located on the Arkansas River. At the time the fort was built, the Arkansas River served as the border between the US Territory and Mexico. Bent’s Old Fort operated from 1833 until 1849, and was strategic in its location and in the opening of the American Southwest. Many cultures lived, traded and passed through Bent’s Old Fort, including multiple American Indian tribes, the Spanish, French and American fur trappers and traders, and African Americans.
