Bent County Courthouse

Bounded by Carson and Bent Aves., 7th and 8th Sts. Las Animas
National Historical site Reference number 76000546

Boggsville

S of Las Animas on CO 101 Las Animas
National Historical site Reference number 86002841

Prowers Bridge

Cty. Rd. 34 Prowers
National Historical site Reference number Vehicular Bridges in Colorado TR 85000189

Formed from portions of the Kansas Territory and New Mexico territory, Bent County has undergone several boundary changes throughout its history. Originally established and named Greenwood County in 1870, it was renamed Bent in 1874. As years progressed, it was divided into several other counties at different points in time. Bent County was named for William Bent, who had established three separate forts along the Arkansas River.

Las Animas, the county seat, was platted in 1869 as Las Animas City. It was later moved to West Las Animas, another established community, with the coming of the railroad. Boggsville, south of Las Animas and at one point the county seat, was home to early settlers such as Thomas Boggs, Kit Carson, William Bent and John Prowers.

The area is abundant with history of the early days, where cultures came together and sometimes clashed. The Europeans, the Spanish, the Indians, they did eventually learn to live together, but sometimes, not without tragedy.

Welcome to Bent County

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written by Kathy Leigh
© 1999 by Mary Ann Hetrick