National Park Service LogoU.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park ServiceNational Park Service
National Park Service:  U.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park Service Arrowhead
Fort Smith National Historic Sitedetail of postcard showing people in front of courthouse building
view map
text size:largestlargernormal
printer friendly
Fort Smith National Historic Site
Plan A Field Trip
students in courtroom with flag hanging on back wall

NPS Photo

Students visit Judge Parker's courtroom

Programs are available Monday - Friday, 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Reservations are required for group programs.

Program Length and Size

Program length varies according to program requested. In general allow 1 to 1 1/2 hours. To maintain program quality, we prefer to limit the size of groups to 40 students per park ranger. Please contact the park for information on how to accomodate larger groups. The required chaperone ratio is one adult for every ten students.

 

 

 

Pre-visit PowerPoint Presentation

A Pre-visit PowerPoint program is available to prepare your students for their visit to Fort Smith National Historic Site.

Click here to download the orientation program.

Scheduling Your Visit

Schedule your visit at least two weeks in advance. Call the park at 479-783-3961 to make reservations. Have available the following information:

  • preferred date and time and alternatives
  • name of teacher and contact information
  • number of children and chaperones
  • grade level of students
  • address and phone number of school
  • specific program requests

Fee Waiver

Entry to the Visitor Center is $4 for those over 15. Educational groups may request a fee waiver. Ask for the fee waiver form when calling to schedule a tour.

 

 

Park staff and volunteers demonstrating using lindstock and slowmatch to ignite the cannon's primer  

Did You Know?
The soldiers who came to Fort Smith in 1817 were still using some 18th century technology and drill. The cannon was discharged using a lindstock and slowmatch to ignite the primer, which originally was loose powder or a turkey quill filled with powder.

Last Updated: August 02, 2008 at 15:45 EST