Interior Fort Smith Commissary

Supplies stored in the commissary.

NPS

Quick Facts

Location:

North end Parade Ground

Amenities

2 listed

Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Wheelchair Accessible

The Commissary building has served many uses since its construction in the 1838. Each successive owner modified the building to meet the demands of changing times. At the end of the 1800’s, after the Federal Court no longer needed it, the Commissary building was sold to a private owner. During this time, the massive stone walls of the second fort were dismantled and sold to local citizens.

In 1910, a ladies’ group acted to save the Commissary as a place to preserve the community’s heritage. The Old Commissary Museum (later known as the Old Fort Museum) occupied the building for nearly seventy years, longer than either the army or the Federal Court. In the 1980’s, the National Park Service continued the restoration work begun by the museum. Throughout its early restoration, the Commissary served as the seed of historic preservation in Fort Smith.

Judge Parker's Office

From 1875 - 1890, Federal Judge Isaac C. Parker's office was on the second floor of the building. It is thought that his office was on the north side of the building looking toward where the bridge is today.

Home Sweet Home

The Hammersly family used the first floor as their home from 1890-1896. They divided the room to accommodate the family of six. Jacob Hammersly was the Court Crier and his daughter Florence was a Deputy Court Clerk for Judge Parker.

Old Commissary Museum

In 1910, the Old Commissary Museum was established, saving the building from demolition. The museum remained at this site until 1979, when it moved one block east to the Atkinson-Williams Warehouse. The name also changed to the Fort Smith Museum of History.