Checkers at Bent's Old Fort
by Priscilla Burgers
Title
Checkers at Bent's Old Fort
Artist
Priscilla Burgers
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
This image depicts a game of checkers set up at Bent's Old Fort. Other favorite pastimes included billiards, games of cards, backgammon and chess. Some men painted or played instruments such as the banjo. Social classes intermingled freely at functions such as fandangos where "all, irrespective of rank" gathered "to trip the light fantastic toe" while tunes were rudely scraped from a screaking violin. Drinkables were served in the billiards room, which was only open to the gentlemen. Such activities eased the monotony, idleness, and loneliness of long days and nights for the gentlemen of the fort.
Bent's Old Fort, near La Junta, Colorado, was one of the significant centers of the fur trade on the Santa Fe Trail. Built by Bent, St. Vrain & Company in 1833, the post was the center of a prosperous trading empire for 16 years. Strategically located, Bent's Fort paved the way for U.S. expansion as an instrument of Manifest Destiny. Based on original drawings, historical accounts, and archeological evidence, the fort was reconstructed by the National Park Service in 1975-76 on the site of the original post with great attention to detail. Interpreters in period clothing share the story of this crossroads of culture, where Americans, Native Americans, Hispanics and other cultures came together to trade.
FAA Featured Photo:
Rock the Sales Group-01/31/2014
FAA Featured Photo:
The Creative Group-02/01/2014
FAA Featured Photo:
Art From the Past Group-02/04/2014
FAA Featured Photo:
Weekly Fun for All Mediums - Your Favorite Work Group-02/05/2014
FAA Featured Photo:
Balcony Window and Doors Photography Group-02/22/2014
FAA Featured Photo:
All COLORADO Group - 08/31/2014
FAA Featured Photo:
500 and Beyond Fine Art Group - 8/7/2017
FAA Featured Photo:
500 Views Group - 8/10/2017
Uploaded
January 31st, 2014
Embed
Share
Similar Images
Comments (45)
Recently Viewed
