In 1961, Sam’l and Bay Arnold had a dream to build an adobe home outside of Denver so their family could grow up surrounded by fresh air, horseback riding and fishing. While Bay was reading a book about Bent’s Old Fort, she was inspired to create a similar adobe castle in Morrison, Colo.
The Arnolds hired William Lumpkins, a top architect in adobe construction, as well as a contractor from New Mexico. The Fort was first authentic replica of Bent’s … Read the entire post >
Summer is road trip season, and we’ve mapped out a historic and educational road trip for you and yours to adventure on this summer. The Southwestern region of the United States was once a breeding ground for adobe forts, which served as a commercial place for merchants, hunters and trappers to conduct trade and protect their goods. Today, many of these forts have been restored and now serve as must-visit historical monuments. From Colorado to New Mexico and all the … Read the entire post >
The Fort Proprietress Holly Arnold Kinney was raised at the iconic Colorado landmark with her brother, Keith, and pet Canadian Black Bear, Sissy. As a young girl, Kinney learned the restaurant business by taking on various roles at The Fort Restaurant and traveling to several cultures around the world with her parents.
Kinney later chose to pursue a career in advertising and public relations. After working for various radio stations, Kinney founded Arnold Media Services, specializing in food products … Read the entire post >
Sept. 20 is National Rum Punch Day, and we’re celebrating with one of Sam’l Arnold’s favorite drinks, our 1732 Philadelphia Fish House Punch!
Philadelphia Fish House Punch is thought to be one of the oldest punch recipes served in America. Scholars believe the recipe originated in the 1600s, in London, as a farmers’ club punch, and was later served in America at the Fish House Tavern in Schuylkill, Pa.
What you’ll need:
The Fort’s founders Samuel and Elizabeth Arnold were both avid historians, and felt a true connection to the American West. The couple wanted to raise their children in the foothills outside Denver, and dreamed of building an authentic adobe home there. Elizabeth, lovingly known as Bay, was struck by the architecture and history of Old Bent’s Fort while reading a history book, and suggested she and Sam build a true replica of the adobe Castle of the Plains to be … Read the entire post >
