Place

Fort Smith National Historic Site, the Trail of Tears

In the center of the image a large 37 star flag flies on a 100 foot tall flag pole to the right is t
Fort Smith Visitor Center in Fort Smith, Arkansas

NPS Photo

Quick Facts
Location:
301 Parker Avenue, Fort Smith, AR 72901
Significance:
Fort Smith witnessed life on the edge of Indian Territory, and the park tells its stories through the experiences of soldiers, outlaws, and lawmen.
Designation:
National Historic Site

Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits

Fort Smith witnessed life on the edge of Indian Territory, and the park tells its stories through the experiences of soldiers, outlaws, and lawmen. For those on the Trail of Tears, it was the last point of federal land before entering Indian Territory.

The site has in-depth exhibits about Indian removal. A trail leads visitors to the Arkansas River and an overlook on the river—where the Cherokee on the water route passed just before entering Indian Territory (today’s eastern Oklahoma). Take a little time and reflect on the lives of those that passed this way.

Site Information 

Location (301 Parker Avenue, Fort Smith, AR 72901)

Safety Considerations

More Site Information

Fort Smith National Historic Site

Trail of Tears National Historic Trail

Fort Smith National Historic Site, Trail Of Tears National Historic Trail

Last updated: January 13, 2023