by Vivian
(La Junta, Colorado)
This is where the Cache La Poudre river meets the Arkansas river. Wagon trains would park in this area and get flooded out. If you go on the back roads at night, it is so spooky. Las Animas means Lost Souls. There have been stories of hauntings for years in this area. Even as far West as Ordway. My friend saw ghost lights in Ordway. The valley is located on the Arkansas River. The split of the Santa Fe trail is in Rocky Ford. The old crossing and bridge are long gone but you can see where it was. Even south of La Junta, there are stories of hauntings. You would have to talk to the old timers. Also, Bent's Fort is between La Junta and Las Animas on the back highway. I understand, there are stories there also. It might be fun and interesting to explore this area and ask questions to the locals.