Start your visit to the Fort Smith Historic Site in the Visitor Center. On the grounds of the park you will discover the first fort, the Commissary building and reconstructed gallows. Be sure to stop by the Eastern National Bookstore to shop for gifts and souvenirs associated with Fort Smith National Historic Site history.
Visitor Center
Your visit to the Fort Smith National Historic Site begins in the Visitor Center, located in the former barracks/courthouse/jail buildings. An orientation film in the Visitor Center will provide you with an overview of the history of the site. Additionally, the Visitor Center includes exhibits Trail of Tears and Federal Court.
Trail of Tears
Trail of Tears examines the history of the 1830s when United States government forcibly removed the southeastern American Indians from their homelands and relocated them on land in present Oklahoma. The tragic event is referred to as the Trail of Tears because over 10,000 Indians died during removal or soon upon arrival.
Federal Court
See the Federal Courthouse used by Judge Isaac C. Parker, the “Hanging Judge,” between 1875 and 1889. Because the Federal Court was originally the site’s military barracks, it was not ideally suited for a courthouse. It was small and simply furnished and the former mess halls in the basement were converted into and used as jail cells during the days the building was used as a federal courthouse.
Fort Smith Grounds
First Fort
French fur trappers who traveled along the rivers in the 18th century named the area overlooking the confluence of the Arkansas and Poteau Rivers Belle Point. Not long after, the U.S. Army decided to establish a fort near the Osage boundary at the Arkansas River. Major Stephen H. Long of the Topographical Engineers chose Belle Point which he named the first Fort Smith in 1817.
Commissary
The Commissary is the oldest building still standing in Fort Smith. Construction on the building that would eventually become a military supply warehouse started in 1838. Additionally, the building housed Judge Parker’s chambers upstairs during the federal court period. Step back in time in the Commissary, set up today as it would have looked during the mid 1800s when it supplied military troops with food items.
Gallows
Between 1873 and 1896, 86 men were executed for capital offenses on the gallows. While the gallows at Fort Smith today is a reconstruction, perhaps no other place in Fort Smith evokes such interest and strong feelings.
Stop by the Eastern National Bookstore in the Visitor Center. You will find books and DVDs on early Arkansas history, the Trail of Tears, the Civil War, westward expansion, Women’s history, Native Americans, genealogy and western lawmen and outlaws. Historic toys, maps, pins, patches, t-shirts and artwork made by local artists are also available to purchase.
Travel Tip
- A wheelchair is available to check out from the Visitor Center on a first-come-first-served basis.