Protecting the Mail at Bent’s Old Fort

In 1863, the Civil War was in full swing, and the Sand Creek Massacre was over a year and a half in the future. Relations with the tribes in the area were peaceful, there was more fear of Confederates coming up to raid along the trail than of conflict with Native Americans. Come experience the fort at this time of incredible transitions, and talk to Stage Company employees and passengers, and soldiers of the 2nd Colorado Infantry. See how they lived and why they were here. Learn firsthand why protecting the mail was so important for business and morale!

The event will take place from 9am-4pm on Saturday, February 18.

• 9am: Fort Opens
• 9:30am: Mail Arrives from Fort Lyon
• 9:45am: Mail Call for Military
• 10-12pm: Visitors can observe the military, interact in the Mailroom and Stage Office, and see how a Stagecoach Station would have been set up.
• 1pm: Protecting the Mail – Bent’s Old Fort in the early 1860s (Ranger Program in Fort Dining Room)
• 2pm: Frontier Medicine in 1860s Colorado (Park Volunteer Program in Dining Room)
• 3pm: Infantry and Cavalry, the 2nd Colorado (Ranger Program in Fort Dining Room)

The park’s fee of $10 per adult (age 16 and older) will apply. Kids 15 and under are free. All National Park Passes are honored. Fees will be collected at the fort entrance.