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Making America's Best Idea Even Better
Fort Smith National Historic SiteHarper's Weekly illustration of steamboat along the Arkansas River with officers' quarters and town of Fort Smith in distance. (c. 1850s)
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Fort Smith National Historic Site
April 2007 US Colored Troops Stencil
thin, corroded piece of metal with small cut-out letters and numbers. R.T. 57th Co.
Military Stencil
FOSM Collection
 

APRIL 2007
ARTIFACT OF THE MONTH

Military Stencil
57th US Colored Troops
Brass
c. 1865

This small metal stencil was used by an individual soldier to mark his personal belongings.  Still visible on this stencil are his initials -- R. T.  He was an African-American soldier who served in the 57th USCT.  This regiment was almost entirely mustered from enlistments by ex-slaves from Arkansas.  The 57th USCT was sent to Fort Smith early in 1865. 

This stencil was found during an archeological excavation in the 1980s. The archeologists were working in the area of the garrison's second bastion, also known as the Quartermaster Building.
Children and families helping to raise the garrison flag on Flag Day 2006  

Did You Know?
The garrison flag flown on the old military parade ground of Fort Smith National Historic Site bears 37 stars and is 20 x 30'. On special occasions visitors assist in raising the huge flag.

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Last Updated: May 03, 2007 at 11:51 EST