Fort Smith National Historic Site - Fort Smith, Arkansas - National Historic Park

Fort Smith National Historic Site is located at Fort Smith in Arkansas. It can be reached from the downtown area by turning south at 4th street from Rogers or Garrison Avenue and turning right in to Garland Avenue. The main parking lot is at the end of the next block and there is further parking available on Third Street.

The site was established in 1961 primarily to protect the remains of two U.S military forts from the 19th century. The first was established in 1817 to keep the peace between the Cherokee and Osage tribes, only for it to be closed seven years later. The second was completed in 1846 and was a focal point during operations in the Civil War with both sides utilizing the fort.

Walking around the site visitors will be able to see the remains of the first fort, and a reconstruction of the gallows used by the federal court. A walking trail takes visitors about three quarters of a mile alongside the Arkansas River, where they will see exhibits about the Trail of Tears. On the site of the second fort is the oldest building still standing here, which is the Commissary building and visitors will also see an old canon or military supply wagon.

The Visitor Center is located in the former barracks, courthouse and jail buildings and contains interesting exhibits. It is open daily from 9am to 5pm but closes on Christmas Day and New Year's Day, but the park grounds are accessible to visitors all the time. One of the exhibits is about the Trail of Tears and tells the story of how the Southeastern American Indians were forcibly removed from the area by the U.S Government in the 1830s.

The military barracks were converted and used as a courthouse by Judge Isaac C. Parker between 1875 and 1889 and can be viewed by visitors. They can also learn more about the judge, who condemned 160 people to death during his tenure and perhaps earned him the nickname of "hanging judge'' in various novels and films. There is also more information and artifacts from the military history of the site between 1817 and 1871 when the U.S Army troops left the fort for the final time.

Aside from the obvious historic significance here this is a great area for wildlife and provides great year round opportunities for bird watching. There are numerous types of animals to be seen here too such as fox squirrels, ground hogs, beavers, coyote, red fox, raccoons and rabbits. Various programs are offered for students including the chance for 5-12 year olds to become a junior park ranger for the day.

While visiting this Fort Smith it is also worth going to see the Fort Smith Trolley Museum in South 4th Street just a few meters from the historic site. Not only will visitors be able to see old trolley cars, but they can take a ride on one too. Ride tokens can also be purchased from Fort Smith Museum of History on Rogers Avenue.