List of forts in Colorado facts for kids

The location of the State of Colorado in the United States of America.

Bent's Old Fort's inside area with a fur press.

This article lists the old forts and trading posts built in what is now the State of Colorado. These places were important for many reasons. They served as military bases and busy trading spots.

History of Colorado's Forts

The first forts were built in the early 1800s. They were like small towns where Native Americans, fur trappers, and traders met to do business. One writer, William Butler, said there were 24 trading posts in the area that became Colorado.

These trading posts came in different sizes. For example, Gantt's Post had a few small wooden buildings. It was located along Fountain Creek. Near Pueblo, Fort Le Duc was another small settlement.

Bent's Old Fort was a very large adobe fort. It was built on the Arkansas River. Several other trading posts were built close together along the South Platte River in the late 1830s. These included Fort Jackson, Fort Lupton, and Fort Vasquez.

In the early 1840s, the fur trade slowed down a lot. Most of the trading posts closed. However, some of them stayed open to help early miners and farmers. Bent's Old Fort kept going because it was on the Santa Fe Trail. This trail was a busy route for people traveling between the United States and areas that are now part of New Mexico.

Important Forts in Colorado

Here is a list of many forts and trading posts that were important in Colorado's history. You can see their names, where they were, and when they were built or closed.

See also

• List of forts in the United States
• Bibliography of Colorado
• Geography of Colorado
• History of Colorado
• Index of Colorado-related articles
• List of Colorado-related lists
• Outline of Colorado