Large numbers of sheep bones excavated at Bent's Fort provides absolute proof that sheep, perhaps even several different breeds, were once at the fort.
The Churro sheep, introduced into New Mexico before 1550, became the standard breed of the Southwest (purebred Merino rams were not brought into New Mexico until 1859). The wool of the Churro is long, moderately coarse, straight, and virtually grease free. When handspun, the naturally dark browns and white coats of these sheep became a trademark for the famous woven blankets of the Rio Grande Valley.
Within the United States, several types of sheep were present throughout the 1840's. By 1846, Oxford sheep, a large breed from England had been introduced into North America. At the same time, the North American sheep industry was home for a pinkish large framed animal referred to as Dorset. These creatures, originally from England have very little face wool and relatively bare legs. A third breed, the Tunis sheep were first brought from Africa to Pennsylvania in 1799. These sheep are medium sized and acknowledged as an extremely hardy breeding stock. By 1812, yet another sheep, the Merino had become popular in America. Merinos are noted for clumps of head wool, and are regarded as fine open range animals. In 1786, the French, using 386 Spanish Merinos, developed a new breed called Rambouillet; these sheep are known for their remarkable grazing instincts. Three other hornless breeds, the Lincoln, the Cotswold, and the Hampshire were introduced into the U.S. prior to 1840. Cheviots, medium-wool sheep with extremely erect ears were also common in America before 1839.
Several contemporary writings mention sheep at Bent's Fort. On his journey across the Plains in 1839, F.A. Wislizenus, M.D., noted that he saw "....sheep and goats..." at the fort. Barclay, the Englishmen, wrote that sheep were plentiful "in the Spanish Country..." and he suspected that several would soon be purchased.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service