Las Animas is the Statutory City that is the county seat and the only incorporated municipality in Bent County, Colorado, United States. Las Animas is located in southeast Colorado east of Pueblo, near the historic Bent’s Fort.
Las Animas once marked an important location on the historic Santa Fe Trail. Two significant hubs — Bent’s Old Fort and Boggsville — once operated just miles from the present-day town. Today, visitors can explore these carefully preserved sites.
Bent’s Old Fort, once a major trading and trapping center run by famed pioneers such as Kit Carson, now offers living history programs and tours of old structures. Boggsville, located on the Purgatoire River just two miles south of present day Las Animas, was a settlement founded on a branch of the Santa Fe Trail. For a decade, corresponding with the arrival of three railroad lines, it was the regional center of agriculture, government, commerce and culture. In late 1867 Kit Carson moved to Boggsville, his last home before his death in 1868 at nearby Fort Lyon.
Downtown Las Animas attractions include William F. Howland Park, complete with picnic areas, skateboard area and swimming pool and slide. There are also several restaurants and cafes, including an excellent traditional-style Mexican eatery.
Through interaction with multiple collaborative agencies in the City and County, an entirely new focus has begun to shape up that focuses on the Aging Community of today and the future. The City and County have appointed and created policies through the ADA program that ensures older and disabled community members are at the forefront of any new or modified construction from streets to housing. Additionally, the City Council has appointed a Senior Adviser on Aging to the City Council in order to continue to seek advice as we develop additional program, practices and policies. Through a partnership with the AAA and the County/City Senior center, the City Council has provided additional funding for congregate meal programs to ensure nutritional security.