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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
Places at the First Fort Smith (1817-1824)
 
foundation remains of first fort, looking out across Arkansas River

Memories by Jody

Foundation Remains of First Fort

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The area overlooking the confluence of the Arkansas and Poteau Rivers had been named Belle Point by French fur trappers who traveled along the rivers in the 18th century.  When the U.S. Army decided to establish a fort near the Osage boundary at the Arkansas River, Belle Point was the site chosen by Major Stephen H. Long of the Topographical Engineers. Long accompanied Major Bradford and the U.S. Rifle Regiment when they arrived in 1817 and drew up construction plans for the fort. 

 
Bird's Eye View of the First Fort Smith.
Aerial photograph of the first Fort Smith.
boy fishing from rock landing next to Poteau River
Postcards of Poteau and Arkansas Rivers
Postcards showing views of the Arkansas and Poteau Rivers
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foundation remains of first fort overlooking Arkansas River  

Did You Know?
The U.S. Army selected a spot overlooking the confluence of the Arkansas and Poteau Rivers for the site of a fort. Soldiers from the Rifle Regiment arrived in 1817 and named the site Fort Smith after their commanding officer, Thomas A. Smith.

Last Updated: July 15, 2009 at 13:41 EST