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Fort Smith National Historic Sitesidewalk path along Arkansas River
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Fort Smith National Historic Site
People at First Fort Smith (1817-1824)
 

The first Fort Smith was established by Major William Bradford and a company of the U.S. Rifle Regiment in December 1817 to maintain peace between local Osage Indians and emigrating Cherokees. 

The 1822 Treaty of Fort Smith, negotiated by Col. Mathew Arbuckle, then the fort's commanding officer, and Indian Commissioner James Miller, reconciled most of the difficulties between the Osage and the Cherokee.
detail of letter from Kramer to his wife in 1822
A Soldier's Letters
Ill and disabled, Balthazar Kramer struggled to receive his pension and return home to his wife.
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13th Kansas lined up in downtown Fort Smith 1864
Units Stationed At Fort Smith 1817-1871
List of Companies and Detachments at Fort Smith
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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: August 28, 2006 at 15:48 EST