Site of an 1835 trading fort built by Louis Vasquez and Andrew Sublette along the South Platte River, is located 35 miles north of Denver on US Hwy 85 on the former Trappers Trail. Vasquez and Sublette stocked their outpost with goods to trade for buffalo robes and furs from the Plains Indians.Put Fort Vasquez Museum and other Platteville attractions into our Platteville holiday builder, and watch your holiday take shape.
Increased competition and changing times forced the partners to sell in 1842. The new owners abandoned the fort, which became a noted landmark and favored campsite for emigrants to the region.
In the mid-1830's the Works Project Administration (WPA) sponsored a reconstruction of the adobe trading fort. After the Colorado Historical Society acquired the property in 1958, a series of archaeological excavations uncovered the fort's original foundations. Artifacts from these excavations, American Indian objects, and exhibits about the fur trade era are on view at Fort Vasquez museum. The museum Store offers a full range of western goods, including books, American Indian jewelry, art and assorted gifts as well as visitor information.
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Fort Vasquez Museum reviews
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A big part of the fort's 'trading post/gift shop' was the narrative by the young lady at the desk. She knew the history of the area, the natives, and the mountain men and 'settlers' that eventually..... more »
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I wouldn't make this your prime destination, but it's one of those places you can spend an hour off the highway and learn some interesting history. Small museum on the site of a 1830's trading post..... more »
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Easy parking access. No entrance fee (Donations are excepted). The young lady behind the counter doubled as a sort of tour guide. She was very friendly and quite knowledgeable in regional and Fort history! She made the day for us. The fort itself is full of memorabilia from the era along with reasonably priced souvenirs and is spotless clean and well maintained! All-in-all it was a great visit!
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So glad this place is still around! Much different than when I was a child! The live action days are so neat!
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