Last updated: May 10, 2024
Place
Establishing Fort Smith
NPS
Quick Facts
Location:
First Fort Smith
Amenities
3 listed
Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Trash/Litter Receptacles, Wheelchair Accessible
Major William Bradford’s Company of the US Army Rifle Regiment was sent to build Fort Smith in mid-September of 1816. Major Bradford and his men traveled in two keelboats along with provisions and supplies, two six-pound cannons with carriages, two sets of harnesses for horses to pull the cannons, and over half a ton of pig iron for casting bullets.
They arrived at the mouth of the Arkansas River on October 15, 1916, but traveling the remaining 320 miles to Belle Point would take them another 71 days. When they finally arrived on December 25, 1817, the soldiers began building what would become Fort Smith alongside their other duties.
However, the Regiment of Riflemen would not complete the construction of the fort. In February of 1822, the regiment was inactivated, and the men absorbed into the 7th Infantry Regiment. The 7th Infantry remained at Fort Smith for two more years.
They arrived at the mouth of the Arkansas River on October 15, 1916, but traveling the remaining 320 miles to Belle Point would take them another 71 days. When they finally arrived on December 25, 1817, the soldiers began building what would become Fort Smith alongside their other duties.
However, the Regiment of Riflemen would not complete the construction of the fort. In February of 1822, the regiment was inactivated, and the men absorbed into the 7th Infantry Regiment. The 7th Infantry remained at Fort Smith for two more years.