Fort Smith National Historic Site - Artifact of the Month (U.S. National Park Service)

Each month the park features an artifact from the collection, not currently on exhibit.

Use the links at the bottom of the page to view previous months.

FOSM PHOTOGRAPH

Civil War Buckle

SEPTEMBER 2008 ARTIFACT OF THE MONTH

Civil War Buckle

This is part of a two piece, Confederate, silverplated belt buckle in the shape of a wreath. Inside of the wreath is a horizontal, rectangular slot for the insertion of the second piece that was circular and had the initials "C.S." or their state letters in block lettering. This artifact was found on the grounds of Fort Smith National Historic Site. Confederate troops occupied Fort Smith at the beginning of the Civil War. Union troops reoccupied Fort Smith in September of 1863 until the end of the Civil War.

PREVIOUS ARTIFACTS OF THE MONTH
Click on the links below to view.

August 2006 -- Judge Parker's gavel

September 2006 -- Stereocard of Fort Smith Courthouse and grounds

October 2006 -- Courtroom Sketch, 1889

November 2006 -- Steamboat Bell

December 2006 -- Bill Cook Gun

January 2007 -- Ceramic Ink Bottle

February 2007 -- Blue Willow Transferware

March 2007 -- Rifle Regiment Button

April 2007 -- US Colored Troops Stencil

May 2007 -- Letter Regarding Cherokee Bill

June 2007 -- Military Shoulder Scale

July 2007 -- US Flag Presented by Lady Bird Johnson

August 2007 -- Prehistoric Flint Hoe

September 2007 -- Wine or Spirit Bottle pre-1838

October 2007 -- Photograph of Emmett Dalton

November 2007 -- Glazed Redware Jar

December 2007 -- Steamboat Pass