Stories from the Borderlands

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. Programs occur 2-4 times a month, March through December.

 

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 6: The Dawn of War.
This program will showcase conditions in the Borderlands on the eve of the U.S./Mexican War. Park Staff, Living History Volunteers, and Guest Speakers will offer programs and Historic Weapons demonstrations explaining the multiple perspectives of those involved.

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, September 12 - The Company of Spies. 10am at Bent’s Old Fort, 2pm at Woodruff Memorial Library, La Junta.

Saturday, September 26 – Doniphan’s March. 10am at Bent’s Old Fort.

Saturday, October 10 - War and Calamity – The Decline of Bent, St. Vrain and Company. 10am at Bent’s Old Fort, 2pm at Woodruff Memorial Library, La Junta.

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.

Saturday, November 7 - Madame La Tules. 10am at Bent’s Old Fort, 2pm at Woodruff Memorial Library, La Junta.

Saturday, November 21 - The Great Peace. 10am at Bent’s Old Fort.

Saturday, December 5 - The Charles Bent Administration. 10am at Bent’s Old Fort, 2pm at Woodruff Memorial Library, La Junta.

Saturday, December 5: Chaos Eve.
180 years ago, Charles Bent didn’t know it, however he had just one month to live. What had occurred in 1846 to cause his death? Who was involved? At this program presented by Park Staff and Volunteers you will learn all the answers to these questions and more with special talks presented that will set the stage for the Taos Revolt of 1847.