Where Old West Meets New West Luxury
Our Foundations
Platte River Fort was built in 2001, as a replica of historic Bent’s Fort in La Junta, Colorado. The original owners, Mike and Jan Ream, lived in part of the structure and used the remaining rooms and areas for educational purposes. Jan grew up near La Junta and had a lifelong dream to build and live in a fort. The Reams are passionate about Colorado history and love passing their knowledge on to today’s youth. They continue to be involved with Platte River Fort and often donate their time to help educate school groups that visit the fort.
Historic Bent’s Fort was built in 1834 along the Arkansas River. It was a haven for army troops, western settlers and traders making the trek along the Santa Fe Trail from St. Louis to New Mexico.
Today
In 2013, owners Dori DeJong and Elaine Carleton purchased the property. Dori grew up on a dairy farm directly south of where Platte River Fort is located. She still owns part of the family farm; it has been in her family for decades.
Dori is a retired divorce attorney and had a dream to build a camp in the country for kids whose families are going through divorce. Dori believed it would be healing for kids to be removed from the often tense and difficult situation, even if for only a brief period of time. She also wanted urban children to be able to experience what life is like living on a working ranch or farm. When the Reams learned about Dori’s plans for a kid’s camp, a collaboration formed and the dream expanded.
Two years later, in March of 2015, Platte River Fort opened its doors! After two years of remodeling and the addition of six bathrooms, four suites, three bedrooms, three bunkrooms, a dining room that seats fifty and a world-class, one-of-a-kind gourmet kitchen, they were finally ready to provide once-in-a-lifetime experiences to their guests.
And here we are, 185 years later, hoping to provide our guests with the same “liveliest surprise”—an authentic fort experience. Relax, enjoy and dream of those who came before you. Those who come after you will do the same!
Meet the Owners
Dori Dejong
Dori grew up on a dairy farm to the south of Platte River Fort. She graduated from Platte Valley High School and then continued on to the University of Northern Colorado where she played basketball and volleyball and received her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1987. In 1996, she earned a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Denver School of Social Work and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Denver College of Law. In 2013, Dori completed a Master of Business Administration at the University of Denver Daniels School of Business. After two decades of working with battered women as a social worker, legal advocate and attorney, Dori retired from the practice of law to manage Platte River Fort full-time.
Dori and her partner, Elaine, have a thirteen year old son, Caden, who keeps them busy. Dori enjoys spending time with family, reading and traveling.
Elaine Carleton
Elaine grew up in Midland, Texas and graduated from Lee High School. She continued on to the University of Texas and received her Bachelor of Business Administration degree. In 1991, Elaine moved to Colorado and attended the University of Denver and received a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree.
Elaine loves owning and working at Platte River Fort because it’s unique and a fun work environment.
Elaine and Dori have a son, Caden, and Elaine has family she frequently visits in Texas. Elaine enjoys reading, traveling and outdoor exercise.