Defending Freedom

Wayside panel on the south side of the parade ground.

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Location:

Parade Ground, south end

Amenities

2 listed

Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Wheelchair Accessible

In the fall of 1863, shortly after the Union had captured the post from Confederate forces, the 11th Regiment, United States Colored Troops (USCT) were recruited out of Fort Smith. Four companies were created on December 19, 1863, with a fifth company in March of 1864. They spent most of their time drilling and performing routine duties such as working on earthwork fortifications that surrounded the town of Fort Smith, serving as guards, and participating in formal dress parades.

In August of 1864, the unit experienced its first real military action. In mid July, the five companies of the 11th USCT, numbering 265 men, moved into Indian Territory. Their assignment was to guard government livestock and cut hay at Gunther's Prairie, 12 miles northwest of Fort Smith.

At daybreak on August 24, 300 to 400 Confederate cavalry, both white and Native American, attacked the 11th USCT. The fighting started at 7:30 and continued for two and a half hours. According to military records, for one hour the contest was close and fire almost incessant. The cavalry made three separate charges and were repulsed each time. Finally, they were compelled to retreat. The Confederate losses are unknown, but the victorious 11th USCT had 3 men killed and 14 missing or wounded.