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Looking for a fun and educational way to learn about America's Civil War? The National Park Service trading card series consists of more than 500 trading cards from nearly 90 national parks in 31 states and the District of Columbia. Fort Smith National Historic Site has a total of four different cards available only as a download on Flickr.
NPS Photo Confederates Capture Fort Smith On April 23, 1861, the Confederate flag was raised over Fort Smith without a single shot being fired. The citizens, however, were anything but united in war sentiment. Pro-Union supporters faced public opposition, discrimination, and threats. Many felt forced to remain silent or leave town in order to protect their families. 
NPS Photo Defending Fort Smith Fort Smith was only fired on once during the Civil War. Captured by Union forces in 1863, the city became a safe haven for former slaves and war refugees. Confederates tried unsuccessfully to recapture the city with cannon fire from across the Poteau River. Defending the fort, Union soldiers quickly fired back. 
United States Colored Troops (USCT) During the Civil War, two locally organized troops were trained and stationed at Fort Smith. The soldiers spent their days drilling and preparing for area skirmishes against Confederate troops. Brave and well disciplined, by the end of the war about 10% of all Union troops were USCT regiments. 
Isaac Stand Watie Degataga Born in Georgia in 1806, Watie became a successful Cherokee farmer prior to moving to Oklahoma with other Cherokees. During the Civil War he formed the Cherokee Mounted Rifles with fellow Confederate Cherokees. As brigadier general, he holds the distinction of being the last Confederate general to surrender in June 1865. |
Last updated: March 27, 2020