- ParkMark

1st and 2nd Jail

Fort Smith was home to two different jails.

Abandoned and Forgotten

After over six years, the first Fort Smith was abandoned as soldiers were ordered to push further west into Indian Territory.

America's National Park Store at Fort Smith

Park store

Barracks, Courthouse, Jail

Wayside describing how the building has changed over time.

Bass Reeves Statue

Statue of Deputy US Marshal Bass Reeves, located in Ross Pendergraft Park.

Bastion

Fort Smith had five bastions.

Cannon

This cannon is a replica of one of the cannons left by the military when they abandoned Fort Smith in 1871.

Cistern

In 1869, the U.S. Army constructed a dome-shaped cistern (underground storage tank) next to the officers' quarters to make life easier. This allowed them to collect rain water from gutters installed on the roof.

Commissary & Frisco Overlook

Commissary and Train Depot

Courthouse and courtroom

Courtroom used from 1872 until 1890.

Defending Fort Smith

On July 31, 1864, cannon fire came down upon Fort Smith from across the Poteau River.

Defending Freedom

Shortly after Fort Smith was recaptured by the Union in 1863, the 11th Regiment, United States Colored Troops (USCT) were recruited out of Fort Smith.

Desperate for Survival

The people living in northwest Arkansas suffered as a result of the war. Thousands believed that leaving the area was the only way to survive.

Edge of Indian Territory

In 1825, Arkansas Territory was to the East and Choctaw territory to the West.

Establishing Fort Smith

A history of how Major Bradford's Company of the Rifle Regiment established the first Fort Smith.

First Fort Blockhouse

The foundation of the first Fort Smith blockhouse still remains today, although some sections remain hidden underground for their preservation.

First Fort Smith

The first Fort Smith was named after the commander of the US Army Rifle Regiment, General Thomas Smith. It was located at Belle Point at the confluence of the Arkansas and Poteau Rivers and was active for just over six years.

Flag Pole and Parade Ground

From 1846-1871, the parade ground was the center of life at the fort.

Fort Smith Commissary

Built in 1838, the historic Commissary building's uses and appearance have changed many times throughout its nearly two centuries standing.

Fort Smith Guardhouse

Location of former guardhouse and federal jail.

Fort Smith Museum of History

The museum focuses on the Fort Smith community.

Fort Smith National Cemetery

National Cemetery for veterans from the War of 1812 to present.

Fort Smith National Historic Site

Fort Smith National Historic Site includes remains of two frontier forts and the Federal Court of the Western District of Arkansas. Black enlisted Army soldiers helped establish the first Fort Smith in 1817.

Fort Smith National Historic Site, the Trail of Tears

Fort Smith witnessed life on the edge of Indian Territory, and the park tells its stories through the experiences of soldiers, outlaws, and lawmen. For those on the Trail of Tears, it was the last point of federal land before entering Indian Territory. The site has in-depth exhibits about Indian removal.

Fort Wall

Fort Smith was based on coastal fort design with a stone wall 12 feet high and 2 feet thick.

Frisco Train Station

Constructed in 1903, it is the last of several railroad stations that were built in Fort Smith. The station served as a passenger and freight depot for the St. Louis-San Francisco Railway Company.