Fort Smith

https://www.nps.gov/fosm/index.htm https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Smith_National_Historic_Site Fort Smith National Historic Site is located in Fort Smith, Arkansas, along the Arkansas River. The visitor center is now located in the old Barracks/Courthouse/Jail building. Exhibits in the visitor center focus on Fort Smith’s military history from 1817–1871, western expansion, Judge Isaac Parker and the federal court's impact on Indian Territory, U.S. Deputy Marshals and outlaws, Federal Indian policy, and Indian Removal including the Trail of Tears. Located on the grounds are the foundation remains of the first Fort Smith (1817–1824), the commissary building (c. 1838) and a reconstruction of the gallows used by the federal court. A walking trail along the Arkansas River includes wayside exhibits on the Trail of Tears. This was also one of the areas Bonnie and Clyde stopped at and they were killed after leaving. Land on the Oklahoma bank of the Arkansas River was authorized to be included in the National Historic Site to preserve a historic viewshed, but has not been acquired. Explore life on the edge of frontier and Indian Territory through the stories of soldiers, the Trail of Tears, scandals, outlaws, and lawmen who pursued them. From the establishment of the first Fort Smith on December 25, 1817, to the final days of Judge Isaac C. Parker's jurisdiction over Indian Territory in 1896, Fort Smith National Historic Site preserves almost 80 years of history. From Interstate 40 Eastbound: Exit at Roland and drive six miles on highway 64 to downtown Fort Smith. From Interstate 40 Westbound & from North Interstate 540 & Fayetteville: Take Interstate 40 Westbound to Interstate 540 south. Exit west on Rogers Ave and continue towards downtown Fort Smith. In the downtown area: On Rogers or Garrison Ave, turn south at 4th St. Turn right onto Garland Ave. Entrance to the main parking lot is at the end of the next block. Oversize parking is available. Visitor Center, Gallows, and Commissary This building has evolved over time. Beginning in 1846, it was the enlisted men's barracks and dining hall. In 1872, it was converted to a courthouse and jail. A second, more modern jail was added in 1888. The last major change occurred between 1996-2000 when the buildings were renovated and exhibits added, making the building more accessible to visitors. The visitor center helps tell the story of Fort Smith from 1817 to 1896. From Interstate 40 Eastbound: Exit at Roland and drive six miles on highway 64 to downtown Fort Smith. From Interstate 40 Westbound & from North Interstate 540 & Fayetteville, take Interstate 40 westbound to Interstate 540 south. Exit west on Rogers Ave. and continue to downtown. In the downtown area: On Rogers or Garrison Ave turn south at Fourth Street. Turn right onto Garland Ave. At the end of the next block is the entrance to the main parking lot. Parking is also available on Third Street. Visitor Center Aerial view of visitor center The former barracks, courthouse, and jail serves as the park's visitor center Commissary and Supply Wagon Commissary and Supply Wagon In 1845, Fort Smith was converted to a supply depot. With this mission, Fort Smith became one of the busiest supply posts in the southwest. Entrance sign Entrance sign in snow Entrance sign along the river trail on a snowy day. Foundations of First Fort Smith Foundations of first Fort Smith and Arkansas River Foundations of the first Fort Smith with Arkansas River in the background Jail Wagon and Gallows Jail Wagon and Gallows A jail wagon like this one was use the transport prisoners to the Federal Courthouse 6th Street. Supply Wagon and Visitor Center Supply Wagon and visitor center Supply Wagon and visitor center Visitor Center in Spring The red brick visitor center framed by two redbud trees with a paved path leading to it. Redbud trees give a lively look to the park in spring. Visitor Center in Winter A snow-covered Hawthorn bush partially obscures the red brick visitor center in the background. Snow might be present during a winter visit to the park. Officers' Garden Purple and orange flowers bloom in the foreground with the red brick visitor center in the back. The Officers' Garden is maintained with assistance from the River Valley Master Gardeners. 2014 NPS Environmental Achievement Awards Recipients of the 2014 NPS Environmental Achievement Awards Wildland Fire in Arkansas' National Parks Wildland fire impacts each of the national parks in Arkansas in one way or another. The National Park Service manages wildland fire to protect the public; park communities and infrastructure; conserve natural and cultural resources; and maintain and restore natural ecosystem processes. A prescribed fire is monitored by a firefighter on an all-terrain vehicle. Fort Smith's United States Colored Troops Although African-Americans served in every previous American war, it was through the decisions of specific commanders. In a controversial move, the War Department called for all Union commanders to receive black soldiers into the Union forces. This official action led to the formation of the 11th Regiment United States Colored Troops, among others, in the fall of 1863. Presentation of colors to the 20th United States Colored Infantry 2017 Freeman Tilden Award Recipients Meet the national and regional winners of the 2017 Freeman Tilden Award; the National Park Service's highest award for excellence in interpretation. Portrait of Hollie Lynch The Border States The existence of divided populations in Border States had a profound impact on Union and Confederate strategy-both political and military. Each side undertook military and political measures--including brutal guerilla warfare-- in their attempts to control areas of divided loyalty and hostile moral and political views held by local civilians. Painting showing removal of Missouri civilians from their homes by Union troops The Civilian Experience in the Civil War After being mere spectators at the war's early battles, civilians both near and far from the battlefields became unwilling participants and victims of the war as its toll of blood and treasure grew year after year. In response to the hardships imposed upon their fellow citizens by the war, civilians on both sides mobilized to provide comfort, encouragement, and material, and began to expect that their government should do the same. Painting of civilians under fire during the Siege of Vicksburg The Changing War Begun as a purely military effort with the limited political objectives of reunification (North) or independence (South), the Civil War transformed into a social, economic and political revolution with unforeseen consequences. As the war progressed, the Union war effort steadily transformed from a limited to a hard war; it targeted not just Southern armies, but the heart of the Confederacy's economy, morale, and social order-the institution of slavery. Woodcut of spectators watching a train station set fire by Sherman's troops National Park Service Commemoration of the 19th Amendment In commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the passing of the 19th Amendment the National Park Service has developed a number of special programs. This includes online content, exhibits, and special events. The National Park Service’s Cultural Resources Geographic Information Systems (CRGIS) announces the release of a story map that highlights some of these programs and provides information for the public to locate and participate. Opening slide of the 19th Amendment NPS Commemoration Story Map Series: NPS Environmental Achievement Awards Since 2002, the National Park Service (NPS) has awarded Environmental Achievement (EA) Awards to recognize staff and partners in the area of environmental preservation, protection and stewardship. A vehicle charges at an Electric Vehicle charging station at Thomas Edison National Historical Park Volunteer - Library Assistant Fort Smith National Historic Site’s library contains approximately 3,500 books. Help staff, volunteers, and researchers by keeping the current books in order and cataloguing new publications. Volunteer - Interpretive Program Presenter Are you passionate about history? Become a volunteer Interpretive Guide at Fort Smith National Historic Site and conduct talks, demonstrations, or hands-on activities about the history of Fort Smith. Volunteer - Education Program Presenter Help Fort Smith National Historic Site provide high-quality educational experiences through classroom sessions, living history demonstrations, and more. Volunteer - Visitor Center Greeter Meet and greet people from all around the United States and the world by volunteering as a Visitor Center Greeter at Fort Smith National Historic Site! Volunteer - Living History Job description for Fort Smith National Historic Site volunteer position. Volunteer - Administrative Assistant Do you enjoy office work and want to make a difference at Fort Smith National Historic Site? Consider becoming a volunteer Administrative Assistant! Volunteer - Museum Collections Assistant Help Fort Smith National Historic Site maintain its museum artifacts, manuscripts, and photographs as a Museum Collections Assistant. Volunteer - Photographer Job description for Fort Smith National Historic Site volunteer position. Volunteer - Maintenance Job description for Fort Smith National Historic Site volunteer position. Fort Smith Coloring Pages Color your way through Fort Smith National Historic Site! line drawing of a supply wagon and commissary Fort Smith Then and Now Can you spot the differences between historic and modern photos of Fort Smith. Historic black and white photo of three fort buildings behind a stone wall. Fort Smith Flagpole Brief history of the flagstaff at Fort Smith supply wagon with red brick visitor center and tall flagstaff in background. Instructions to Deputy US Marshals Instructions regarding behavior of Deputy US Marshals from Marshal John Carrol in 1887. metal badge - five point star Text reading Deputy Marshal I.T. United States. Federal Court Overview Federal Court: Western District of Arkansas & Indian Territory 1872-1896 Black and white photo of a crowed courtroom Judge Parker sitting at his desk in the center back. Teachers - Talking Points for Self-Guided Tours Highlights and talking points for teachers leading a self guided tour of the visitor center. Stephen H. Long Brief biography of Major Stephen H. Long, Topographical Engineer National Park Service Career Exploration Explore the variety of career opportunities in the National Park Service. A mosaic of small color pictures of the NPS employees working in different career fields. Obituaries of Judge Parker Obituaries printed in the Fort Smith Elevator and The American Law Review following Judge Parker's death provide insight into how he was seen by his community as well as his peers in the legal profession. White headstone with text reading 4000 Isaac C Parker. Judge Parker: Frequently Asked Questions The facts behind some of the myths, misconceptions, and common questions about Judge Isaac C. Parker. Empty courtroom with green covered attorney tables in center, and judges bench on left. The Words of Judge Parker Judge Parker in his own words including letters, speeches, jury instructions, and sentencings. Painting of a white man with white hair, mustache and goatee wearing black judge's robe. Further Reading On Judge Parker A list of articles, books both nonfiction and fiction, and other works about Judge Parker. Library shelves with large blue cloth-bound hardback books with gold writing. Fort Smith Gallows A brief history of the gallows used by the Western District of Arkansas with Jurisdiction over Indian Territory from 1872 - 1896. A tall stone wall and fence allow only part of the of a slanted roof and crossbeam to be seen. Oak Cemetery Burials Sortable table listing the men executed at Fort Smith who are buried in Oak Cemetery. Arched metal sign reads Oak Cemetery in white block letters amid tree branches, some bare. Stories Behind the Executions The stories of the crimes committed by each of the men executed at Fort Smith. Black and white image of the gallows. Find Your Park on Route 66 Route 66 and the National Park Service have always had an important historical connection. Route 66 was known as the great road west and after World War II families on vacation took to the road in great numbers to visit the many National Park Service sites in the Southwest and beyond. That connection remains very alive and present today. Take a trip down Route 66 and Find Your Park today! A paved road with fields in the distance. On the road is a white Oklahoma Route 66 emblem. Things to Do in Arkansas Find things to do and trip ideas in Arkansas. Front of a high school made of brown brick that rises to a high point in the middle with stairways. Series: Things to Do in the Midwest There is something for everyone in the Midwest. See what makes the Great Plains great. Dip your toes in the continent's inland seas. Learn about Native American heritage and history. Paddle miles of scenic rivers and waterways. Explore the homes of former presidents. From the Civil War to Civil Rights, discover the stories that shape our journey as a nation. Steep bluff with pink sky above and yellow leaves below. Volunteer - Garden Assistant Do you have a green thumb? Help maintain the Officer's Garden and grounds at Fort Smith National Historic Site! Volunteer - Research Assistant Job description for Fort Smith National Historic Site volunteer position Volunteer - Backpack Rover Job description for Fort Smith National Historic Site volunteer position. Guide to the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) Southeast Region Collection This finding aid describes the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) Southest Region Collection, part of the NPS History Collection. Plan Like a Park Ranger for Fort Smith National Historic Site Use these tips to plan your visit to Fort Smith National Historic Site! A supply wagon in the grass in front of a large flag pole and the red brick visitor center. Transformative land management at NPS’ Arkansas Park Zone In 2024, the Arkansas Park Fire Management Zone achieved significant milestones through initiatives funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). With BIL funding, the Arkansas Park Zone treated over 1,400 acres of high-risk land. Flames consume dead and down wood and limbs in a forest near structures. The Execution of Cherokee Bill (Site Bulletin) Some 2,000 to 3,000 sightseers surrounded the gallows enclosure at Fort Smith on the day of Cherokee Bill's execution. Read about it in this site bulletin. Historic sketch of Cherokee Bill standing on the gallows, surrounded by a large crowd Cherokee Bill's Attempted Escape from the Fort Smith Jail (Site Bulletin) In 1895, when Cherokee Bill was lodged in the overcrowded and understaffed federal jail at Fort Smith, he attempted to escape. Read the story in this site bulletin. Black and white historic portrait of Crawford Goldsby, a man with a serious face and short hair Cherokee Bill's Murder Trial (Site Bulletin) Cherokee Bill's trial for the murder of Ernest Melton began on February 26, 1895. Read about it in this site bulletin. Black and white historic portrait of Cherokee Bill wearing a wide brim hat The Capture of Cherokee Bill (Site Bulletin) After the murder of Ernest Melton on November 9, 1894, Cherokee Bill eluded capture for three months. Read about the carefully laid scheme that finally brought in the wanted outlaw in this site bulletin. Black and white historic image of Cherokee Bill standing with the deputy marshals that captured him Cherokee Bill: On the Outlaw Trail (Site Bulletin) Probably the most famous outlaw that was hanged on the Fort Smith gallows was Crawford Goldsby, alias Cherokee Bill. Read about his run-ins with the law in this site bulletin. Black and white historic image of Cherokee Bill with his hand on his mother's shoulder, seated. Bass Reeves (Site Bulletin) Bass Reeves was born enslaved and died a respected lawman, having served in Indian Territory (and later Oklahoma), Arkansas, and Texas. His career stretched from the U.S. Federal Court for the Western District of Arkansas in 1875 until two years after Oklahoma gained statehood in 1907. Read about his life and career in this site bulletin. Black and white photo of Bass Reeves, a Black man with a large moustache wearing a plaid suit. Ned Christie (Site Bulletins) Ned Christie is commonly called an "outlaw," but his real story reveals that the truth is much more complicated. Read about it in this site bulletin. Historic image of Ned Christie, a man with a serious expression and long dark hair holding a gun. Fort Smith Goes to the Movies: True Grit (Site Bulletin) A fictional account of the federal court set in the late 1870s, True Grit was first serialized in the Saturday Evening Post and almost immediately developed into a film, released July 3, 1969. The film had an immediate effect on the park, boosting visitation that month to over 10,000. Read more in this site bulletin. True Grit and Hang'em High movie posters and book in three yellow exhibit frames. Fort Smith Goes to the Movies: Hang 'Em High (Site Bulletin) Hang’em High is typical of many films of the western genre in that it took historical truth and exaggerated it to create a captivating movie. Learn more in this site bulletin. Movie posters for True Grit and Hang'em High in yellow frames above text: Fact and Fiction Fort Smith in the Movies (Site Bulletin) No diehard movie fan can overlook Fort Smith as a setting for some of the great westerns of the silver screen. Read about some of the ways Fort Smith has been featured on film in the site bulletin. Text reading Fort Smith in Fact and Fiction Fort Smith and the Butterfield Overland Mail (Site Bulletin) The discovery of gold at Sutters Mill, California sparked westward migration. Prior to the discovery of gold, there was little demand for fast mail and safe passenger service from east to west. With increased population, the need for an east to west mail service became stronger. Read about the role of Fort Smith in this site bulletin. A map of a trail that extends from the Mississippi River through the south to southern California.