Bent County Courthouse & Jail, Las Animas, CO
N 38° 03.877 W 103° 13.272
13S E 656042 N 4214478
Bent County (named in honor of frontier trader William Bent) has a population of about 6,000. The courthouse is located in the city of Las Aminias which is the only incorporated municipality in the county.
Waymark Code: WM919V
Location: Colorado, United States
Date Posted: 06/12/2010
Views: 5
The jail adjacent to the courthouse (and part of the National Register listing) was the boyhood home of Ken Curtis (Gunsmoke's Festus Hagan), and a good example of early 20th century courthouse-related architecture. (for more information about Ken Curtis & his unique childhood, living in the jail, see this website: (
visit link)
The Courthouse was recently remodeled and there was a rededication ceremony May 05, 2010; the courthouse was first dedicated Dec 31, 1888 (New Year's Eve). The original cost was $58,428 and the renovation cost $3.7 million. The original tower on the courthouse blew off not long after constructon ended, due to a wind storm. The tower was replaced, of course, and the unique shape of the tower is a landmark for many. The clock has 4 faces so it can be seen from many directions.