• Rifle Regiment arriving at Belle Point, 1817. Artwork by Michael Haynes

    Fort Smith

    National Historic Site AR,OK

Stories

two women dressed in Civil War era dresses talk to a man dressed as a Confederate soldier

Civil War Living History Event

Fort Smith's history comes to life through stories of individuals and events.

First Fort Smith (1817 - 1824)

Trail of Tears

Second Fort Smith (1838 - 1871)

Federal Court Era (1872 - 1896)

National Park Service (1961 - present)

Did You Know?

reproduction of keelboat on Arkansas River with first fort soldier reenactors

Fort Smith was established on Christmas Day, 1817.  Approximately 70 Rifle Regiment soldiers arrived by keelboat after a long journey on the Arkansas River.