Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site - Podcasts (U.S. National Park Service)

Life at the Fort
Bent’s Old Fort was one of the significant centers of fur trade on the Santa Fe Trail, influencing economics around the world in the 1830s and 1840s. Meet some of the people who helped to keep the fort running.

Photo of the blacksmith at Bent's Old Fort.

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The blacksmith at the fort

Blacksmith
Sometimes called the “heart and soul” of the fort, the blacksmith kept the wagons and trade operations rolling. They were the “mechanics” and “repairmen” of the day.

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A cook begins the process of roasting meat for guests at the fort.

Cook
Several cooks were employed at the fort to help feed workers, traders, and guests. They were usually found in the kitchen amid the smells of fragrant cedar smoke, spices and foods.

Photo of a trader bartering at Bent's Old Fort

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A trader bartering at the fort.

Trader
Traders bartered in the “general store” or trade room through a simple exchange of goods or an extension of credit.

Photo of the doctor examining a patient.

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The doctor examines a patient at the fort.

Doctor
A visit to the doctor was sometimes unpleasant. Medicine of the time would be considered primitive compared to present day.

iPod Users

Video Device Users

These podcasts
will be available soon as free
downloads from
the iTunes Music Store.

For users of other video capable devices we have provided "m4v" format files. They are capatible with many different types of devices. If you wish to view these files on your computer it is recommended that you download the most current version of Quicktime, which is available as a free download from Apple.com/quicktime/downloads/

Meet the Blacksmith (18MB m4v file)
Meet the Cook (26MB m4v file)
Meet a Trader (14MB m4v file)
Meet the Doctor (16MB m4v file)