The story of Fort Uncompahgre and the Old Spanish Trail
DELTA, Colo. (KREX) — Most museums hold artifacts inside of glass cases within a modern building. But Fort Uncompahgre in delta is a little different….
Fort Uncompahgre is a replica of a fort that was built in 1828 by Antoine Robidoux. The replica was built in 1989, it was finished in the mid 1990’s. It is believed to be as much as a replica as possible, based on the information that was known at the time.
Fort manager and Delta city PIO Casey Dukeman tells me just stepping through the gate transports you back in time to the early 1800’s.
Local historian Dave Fishell explains Robidoux had a great connection with the natives, but when Mexico attacked Santa Fe, New Mexico in 1846 impacting tribes there, Colorado Utes took out their frustrations on the closest Mexicans they could find – Robidoux’s workers.
The Utes burned the fort down–leaving no trace of its existence. This replica is believed to sit only a couple miles from the original.
All of this followed a trail called the Old Spanish Trail, a very important trade route.
Casey tells me early merchants and trappers created the route in the late 1700’s just years after the founding of the United States.
The Spanish Trail runs through – California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico…And Colorado, where the northern branch lies.
Fishell teIls me it came through the San Louis valley over Cochetopa pass through today’s towns of Montrose, Delta, and even grand junction, running alongside what is now Highway 50.
Both Mexican and American governments used this trail, including merchants and trappers.
The replica trading post – Fort Uncompahgre now serves as an interpretive center, field trip destination, concert venue, and national forest service center, hosting maps and even Christmas tree permits.
Casey tells me volunteers run most of the fort.
If you would like to check it out, their next event, Christmas at the Fort, complete with costumed re-enactors and music –draws hundreds every year. It’s set for Friday, December 1st at 7 pm.
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