Las Animas, city in Bent County, Colorado, United States
Las Animas is a small city in Bent County, Colorado, situated along the Arkansas River on the eastern plains. The town has a simple layout with a few shops and restaurants in downtown, quiet streets, and buildings with a modest, old-fashioned look.
The town was founded in May 1886 and became the only city in Bent County. The area had long been a stopping point on the historic Santa Fe Trail, where traders and travelers halted and where trading posts like Bent's Old Fort served as key centers for commerce and frontier activity.
The name comes from Spanish and means 'The Souls', reflecting the region's early history with Spanish explorers and settlers who passed through the area. The community has kept this heritage alive in how residents take pride in local stories and gather for events that celebrate their roots and agricultural way of life.
Visitors should note that services like gas stations and stores are limited, so planning ahead is wise. The town's small size makes walking convenient, especially around the historic downtown and parks, and the nearest airport is in Pueblo, about one hour away by car.
The area was closely tied to frontier figures like Kit Carson, who settled in the nearby Boggsville settlement after his years as a renowned frontiersman. Today, visitors can explore the restored homes of Thomas Boggs and John Prowers along an educational trail and learn about their roles in developing this historic community.
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