Milk Fort facts for kids

Milk Fort, also known as Fort Leche, Pueblo de Leche, Fort El Puebla, Peebles Fort, and Fort Independence, was an important trading post and small community in Otero County, Colorado. It existed in the late 1830s. Today, there are no buildings or signs left of this old settlement.

Exploring Milk Fort's Past

Milk Fort was a special place where people traded goods and lived together. It was a fort, which means it had strong walls to protect the people inside. It was also a settlement, a place where people made their homes.

When Was Milk Fort Built?

In September 1839, a person named Frederick Adolphus Wislizenus built this fort. He first called it Peebles Fort. It was located about 4 or 5 miles (6 to 8 kilometers) up the Arkansas River from another famous place called Bent's Old Fort. Today, this area is on the eastern edge of La Junta, Colorado.

What Did Milk Fort Look Like?

The fort was made of adobe, which is a type of brick made from earth and straw. It had 30 rooms inside, all built along the walls. These rooms faced a central open area, like a courtyard. Each room was about 12 feet (3.6 meters) square and had its own fireplace in a corner.

Who Lived at Milk Fort?

Many different people lived at Milk Fort. They came from Spanish, Native American, and French backgrounds. It was a diverse community! The fort was often called Milk Fort, Fort Leche, or El Pueblo.

Why Was It Called Milk Fort?

The name Milk Fort or Fort Leche (leche means milk in Spanish) came from the goat's milk that the people living there drank a lot of. The community included well-dressed women, men who looked strong and brave, and many children. Some of the men living there were retired trappers, who used to hunt animals for their fur.

Animals at the Fort

Life at Milk Fort was busy, and many animals lived there too. These included:

• Buffalo calves
• Goats
• Dogs
• Cats
• Jackasses (donkeys)
• Raccoons

The people at the fort also grew crops and raised other farm animals. It was a place where people worked hard to provide for themselves.

How Long Did Milk Fort Last?

Milk Fort was an active place for a short time. It might have only lasted for one or two years. Even though it was around for a brief period, it was an interesting part of Colorado's history. It shows us how people lived and traded in the American West a long time ago.