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Fort Uncompahgre: A Journey into Colorado's Fur Trading Past

Explore a reconstructed fur trading post and discover the history of Colorado's Western Slope at Fort Uncompahgre in Delta.

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Step back in time at Fort Uncompahgre Interpretive Center, a reconstructed 1820s fur trading post in Delta, Colorado. Explore authentic trade goods, learn about the interactions between early settlers and indigenous tribes, and discover the significance of this site along the Old Spanish Trail.

A brief summary to Fort Uncompahgre Interpretive Center + Public Lands Information Center

  • Tuesday 11 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 11 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 11 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Check the operating hours before visiting, as they vary throughout the week and seasonally.
  • Consider taking a guided tour for a more in-depth understanding of the fort's history and exhibits.
  • Explore Confluence Park, where the fort is located, for additional recreational opportunities.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From downtown Delta, head east on Main Street (US-50). Turn left onto Palmer Street. The Fort Uncompahgre Interpretive Center is located at 440 Palmer Street, on the right-hand side, at the entrance to Confluence Park.

  • Public Transport

    Delta is served by All Points Transit, which operates the Delta Dash bus route. Check the schedule for the most convenient stop and times. From the nearest bus stop, follow the walking directions to Fort Uncompahgre. A single ride fare is around $1.50.

  • Parking

    Ample free parking is available at Confluence Park, directly adjacent to the Fort Uncompahgre Interpretive Center. Additional parking, including EV charging stations, is located at City of Delta Public Parking at 111 W 3rd St, with rates of $7/hour.

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Discover more about Fort Uncompahgre Interpretive Center + Public Lands Information Center

Fort Uncompahgre Interpretive Center offers a captivating glimpse into the early days of commerce on Colorado's Western Slope. This meticulously reconstructed trading post, originally established by Antoine Robidoux around 1826, stands near the confluence of the Gunnison and Uncompahgre Rivers, close to the present-day city of Delta. As you explore the fort, you'll be transported to a time when fur trappers and Ute Indians exchanged goods within its walls. Authentic trade goods, animal hides, and other artifacts recreate the atmosphere of this once-bustling hub. Knowledgeable staff offer guided tours, providing insights into the fort's history and the cultural exchanges that shaped the region. Fort Uncompahgre served as a vital link along the Old Spanish Trail, connecting Santa Fe to Los Angeles. It facilitated trade between Mexicans, Americans, and various Native American tribes until it was attacked in 1844. Although the original fort was destroyed, this reconstruction stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the fur trade in Colorado. The site also functions as a Public Lands Information Center, offering resources for exploring the surrounding natural areas.

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