Fort Smith National Historic Site facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fort Smith National Historic Site |
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Fort Smith National Historic Site in 2009
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 Fort Smith National Historic Site
Location in Arkansas
Fort Smith National Historic Site
Location in the United States
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| Location | Sebastian County, Arkansas |
| Nearest city | Fort Smith, Arkansas |
| Area | 75 acres (30 ha) |
| Established | September 13, 1961 |
| Visitors | 86,122 (in 2011) |
| Governing body | National Park Service |
| Website | Fort Smith National Historic Site |
| Designated: | October 15, 1966 |
| Reference #: | 66000202 |
| Designated: | December 19, 1960 |
The Fort Smith National Historic Site is a special place in Fort Smith, Arkansas, right by the Arkansas River. It's a National Historic Site because of its important past.
The United States built its first fort here in 1817. This was before the area became known as Indian Territory, a place set aside for Native American tribes. Later, a second fort was built. It was used by the U.S. Army until 1871. In 1961, this site was named a National Historic Landmark.
This fort was also home to an important court. The United States District Court for the Western District of Arkansas handled cases for western Arkansas and all of Indian Territory. Judge Isaac C. Parker became the first federal judge here in 1875. The city of Fort Smith, Arkansas grew up around this historic fort.
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Exploring Fort Smith's Past
Today, the Fort Smith National Historic Site lets you explore history. You can see the remains of the first fort, built in 1817. There's also the second fort, which was built later. You can visit the old commissary building from around 1838. This was where supplies were stored.
The site also has a reconstruction of the gallows. These were used by the federal court to carry out justice. A walking trail runs along the Arkansas River. Along this trail, you'll find signs about the Trail of Tears. This was a sad time when many Native American people were forced to move from their homes.
Visitor Center and Exhibits
The park's visitor center is inside the old Barracks/Courthouse/Jail building. Here, you can learn all about Fort Smith's military history. This includes its role in the expansion of the United States. You'll also discover the story of Judge Isaac C. Parker. He was a famous federal judge.
The exhibits also explain the work of the U.S. Deputy Marshals. They kept law and order in the area. You can learn about federal policies toward Native Americans. And you'll find out more about the Indian Removal period, including the Cherokee Trail of Tears.
A Look Back at Fort Smith's History
The Fort Smith National Historic Site was created in 1961. Its goal was to protect the remains of two 19th-century U.S. military forts. It also protects the building that housed the important federal court. This court handled cases in Indian Territory. Fort Smith was also a major stop for the Choctaw and Cherokee people during the "Trail of Tears."
The First Fort (1817–1824)
The very first fort was set up on December 25, 1817. Major William Bradford built it. Its main purpose was to keep peace between two Native American groups. These were the local Osage Indians and a group of Cherokee who had moved west. The Cherokee were pressured to leave their traditional lands in the Southeast. This first fort was used until 1824. The U.S. Army then moved further west to build Fort Gibson.
The Second Fort (1838–1871)
After the Indian Removal Act of 1830, tensions grew. More Native Americans were forced to move. White settlers also started moving onto their lands. Because of this, the U.S. Army built a second Fort Smith in 1838. It was near the ruins of the first fort.
During the 1840s, General Zachary Taylor was in charge of the fort. It became a key place for supplying other forts in Indian Territory. During the American Civil War, Union troops captured the fort from Confederate forces in 1863. Many Cherokee and other tribes had sided with the Confederacy. The fort continued to be a supply base until 1871. After that, the U.S. Army no longer used it officially.
The Federal Court and Judge Parker
Over time, a small town grew around the fort. People came for business and opportunities. The federal court continued its work in a courthouse built in town. This court oversaw the western half of Arkansas and all of Indian Territory.
Judge Isaac C. Parker was a very important figure here. He was the first federal district judge. He led the court from 1875 to 1896. His work helped shape law and order in the American West.
Images for kids
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Site of the first fort erected in 1818
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Commissary Building
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Judge Parker's courtroom
