On Sept. 23-26, there will be a Fur Trade Symposium at Bent's Fort near La Junta, Colorado. Bent's Fort is a recreation of the original structure and is near the site of the original fort. It was a major trading post on the Santa Fe Trail that provided refuge with its thick adobe walls as well as supplies for travelers journeying out to the West.

For those who don't know, one of the Bent brothers, William, married an Indian of the Cheyenne Tribe, thus allying them with that tribe. Members of the Cheyenne tribe were allowed admission into Bent's Fort (can't say no to family) but other tribes had to conduct their trades through a window in the sally port. Bent's brother and partner, Charles, became the Governor of New Mexico when he was killed during the Taos Revolt. Another parter, Ceran St. Vrain, also traveled through the South West and was friends with John Francisco, a sutler who operated his store at Fort Union, Fort Massachusetts, Fort Garland and later Francisco's Fort (La Veta, CO).

The event will have costumed interpreters (including blacksmiths), fur trade historians, living history historians and musicians in attendance. There will be scholarly presentations as well as field trips. One is a train ride through Trinidad and into Raton. Another will be a tour of Pueblo and other historic sites in that area that were involved in the fur trade.

Myself and the range master at Prator Range (Trinidad, CO) are both black powder enthusiasts and will probably attend.

Here's a link for more information: http://2015fts.org/

I'm trying to find out from the organizer whether there will be a gunsmith present during the symposium.

If you want to read more about the Santa Fe trail read Louis Gerrard's Wahtoya and the Taos Trail. Gerrard was a teenager when he left St. Louis and was among the Americanos who rode into Taos after Charles Bent was killed.

Thanks OP, Wish I wasn't Elk hunting then. I've been there a few times over the last 30 years, cool place.

IN!  

I visited Bent's Old Fort some years ago, it was cool.  

The drive from La Junta to Trinidad is interesting--it follows the path of one of the spurs of the Santa Fe Trail.  Wagon tracks are supposedly still visible in spots, though I didn't see them.  It's a back road, very little traffic, with some dramatic scenery to the south and west as you get closer to Trinidad.

thanks for sharing, those are awesome pics