Whiskey War

The Bigelow brothers looking out at the soldiers from their damaged cabin.

NPS/Michael Haynes

Quick Facts

Location:

Near the railroad crossing on the River Loop Trail.

Amenities

2 listed

Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Wheelchair Accessible

100 years before Prohibition, it was illegal to sell whiskey to soldiers and Native Americans. These laws did not stop tavern owners in the growing community of Fort Smith. Captain Stuart and the 7th Infantry were tasked with enforcing those laws. During a violent confrontation, Captain Stuart was severely beaten by the Bigelow brothers, who were owners of one of the taverns.

That night, soldiers took revenge. An explosion rocked the tavern, and the Bigelow brothers woke up to find a gaping hole in their wall, and four soldiers standing outside around a smoking cannon.