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

    Fort Smith

    National Historic Site AR,OK

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  • Road Construction I-540

    Traveling West on I-40? To avoid construction delays, do not take Exit 7 (I-540 S). Stay on I-40 west and take Exit 1 Dora. Stay on Hwy 64D for 6 miles and follow signs to Fort Smith. After crossing over the river, turn right on 4th ST & right on Garland. More »

Animals

Although a variety of wildlife can be seen on your visit to the Fort Smith National Historic Site today, the historic landscape, prior to and during the early period of European settlement, contained a greater amount and diversity of animals. Black bear, bison, elk, and the now extinct Passenger Pigeon were all common residents of the area where the Fort Smith National Historic Site is now located.

While walking the grounds keep and eye out for one of the park's many Fox Squirrels. These playful critters thrive on the park's abundant acorns, walnuts, and pecans. They also provide nearly constant entertainment to visitors. Please don't feed the wildlife.

 
This IS a Beaver!

Beaver

Cheryl Reynolds, Worth A Dam

Other mammals you might see include:

Pocket Gopher
Beaver
Coyote (rare)
Red Fox (rare)
Raccoon
Eastern Cottontail (rabbit)
Skunk
Possum


The City of Fort Smith is a bird sanctuary and Fort Smith National Historic Site is an ideal place for birdwatchers.

Every fall, monarch butterflies migrate through the park on their way to Mexico.

Did You Know?

Parker seated at his bench in 6th Street courtroom

The only known image of Judge Parker in his courtroom is this one from the federal courthouse on Sixth Street which dates from the 1890s. There are no photographs of the courtroom located in the former military barracks.