Stories from the Borderlands

A rainbow appears in the dark skies to the east of the fort.
A rainbow appears to the east of the fort.

NPS Photo

“Stories from the Borderlands” are featured programs offered monthly. Each may be held at the reconstructed fort and/or the Woodruff Memorial Library in La Junta and last 45 minutes, exploring a different facet of the Fort’s story.

This program schedule subject to change due to staffing or other factors. Please contact the park to confirm.
 
Saturday, March 7 – Spanish and Mexican Land Grants in New Mexico and Southeast Colorado. 10am at Bent’s Old Fort, 2pm at Woodruff Memorial Library, La Junta.

Saturday, March 28 - The Other Republic: Mexico from 1821-1846 - 10am at Bent’s Old Fort.

Saturday, April 4 - Los Capitalistas: Hispanic Merchants on the Santa Fe Trail. 10am at Bent’s Old Fort, 2pm at Woodruff Memorial Library, La Junta.

Saturday, April 25 – Charles Bent’s Activities in New Mexico prior to the U.S./Mexican War. 10am at Bent’s Old Fort.

Saturday, May 2 – Before the Border. 10am at Bent’s Old Fort, 2pm at Woodruff Memorial Library, La Junta.

Saturday, May 23 - Manuel Alvarez. 10am at Bent’s Old Fort.

Saturday, June 20 – Plains Indian Raids into Mexico during the US/Mexican War. 10am at Bent’s Old Fort.

Saturday, June 20 – San Carlos de los Jupes. 2pm at Woodruff Memorial Library, La Junta.

Saturday, June 27 – The Republic of Texas in New Mexico and on the Santa Fe Trail. 10am at Bent’s Old Fort.

Saturday, July 11 - An Intrinsic Gift: Spain’s Contributions to American Independence. 10am at Bent’s Old Fort, 2pm at Woodruff Memorial Library, La Junta.

Saturday, August 1 - The Army of the West & the Invasion of New Mexico. 10am at Bent’s Old Fort, 2pm at Woodruff Memorial Library, La Junta.

Saturday, August 22 - The Presidency of James Polk. 10am at Bent’s Old Fort.

Saturday, October 24: The Business of Bison.
Living Historians will portray Bent, St. Vrain and Co. Traders from the 1840s and Hide Hunters from the 1860s/70s. The Southern Plains Land Trust will set up a station to discuss modern bison conservation efforts; in addition, programming and Historic Weapons Demonstrations will be presented by Park Staff.

Last updated: August 19, 2026

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

35110 State Highway 194
La Junta, CO 81050

Phone:

719 383-5010
Park rangers are generally available to take your call from 9:00 a. m. - 3:30 p. m. Mountain Time. If no one answers, please leave a message, and someone will return your call as soon as possible.

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