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Fort Smith National Historic Sitesoldiers from 13 Kansas in formation on Garrison Ave.
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Fort Smith National Historic Site
People of Second Fort Smith (1838-1871)
 
Steamboat on Arkansas River with fort in background
Fort Smith NHS Collection
Fort Smith during Confederate occupation

In 1838, fourteen years after the first fort was closed, a new garrison was built at Fort Smith. A massive defensive fort was never needed, and Fort Smith eventually served as a supply depot. After the Civil War, the fort had served its usefulness and was ordered closed in 1871.
Sibley tents in front of Officers' Quarter during Civil War
Second Fort Smith
Confederate Attack on Fort Smith 1864
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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.

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Last Updated: July 28, 2006 at 18:08 EST