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Fort Smith National Historic Site   

courtesy of the National Park Service

Contact Information:
Fort Smith National Historic Site 
P.O. Box 1406
Fort Smith, AR 72902
479-783-3961
http://www.nps.gov/fosm/

Size: 75 acres

Location: Fort Smith National Historic Site is located in downtown Fort Smith, 6 miles south of I-40 off Hwy. 64.

Description: This was one of the first U.S. military posts in the Louisiana Territory and served as a base of operations for enforcing federal Indian policy from 1817 to 1896. The park contains the remains of two frontier military forts and a federal court. Judge Isaac C. Parker served here for 21 years protecting the rights of Native Americans and helping to bring civilized society to lawless country. “Hanging Judge” Parker’s courtroom has been restored with reproductions of 1880s furnishings.

 

Fort Smith National Historic Site 
courtesy of the National Park Service
Activities: A good place to begin is by viewing the orientation film and exhibits in the park visitor center. From there you can tour the grounds of the park which include historic military parade grounds, Commissary building, foundation remains of the first fort, reconstructed gallows, walking trail along the Arkansas River, and Trail of Tears overlook. The site is open daily for self-guided tours. Guided tours are available for groups by advance arrangement. During the school year, education programs are offered by reservation. A minimum of one hour is recommended to view the 15-minute orientation film and to explore the exhibits in the visitor center. An additional hour or two are recommended for touring the grounds of the park and to participate in summer weekend interpretive programs. On special event weekends, activities are offered throughout the day.
Operating Hours: The visitor center is open daily, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Closed Christmas and New Year's Day.

History: Authorized on September 13, 1961. 

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