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
 
 
Find a National Park Near You
Fort Smith National Historic Site Newly sworn-in young American citizens and their families raise the huge garrison flag at the park.
view map
text size: largest larger normal
printer friendly
Fort Smith National Historic Site
U.S. Colored Troops (USCT) Stencil
thin, corroded piece of metal with small cut-out letters and numbers. R.T. 57th Co.
Military Stencil
FOSM Collection
 

Military Stencil
57th U.S. Colored Troops (USCT)
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.

Click here to return to Artifacts of the Park.

You are exiting the National Park Service website

Thank you for visiting our site.

You will now be redirected to:

We hope your visit was informative and enjoyable.
Entrance to Visitor Center on south end of building

Did You Know?
Fort Smith National Historic Site completed a major renovation of their Visitor Center in the summer of 2000.
Disclaimer Accessibility Privacy Policy FOIA Notices USA.gov

Last Updated: September 08, 2011 at 08:32 MST