A cannon firing in the dark, scattering orange and yellow sparks.

A Fearful Sight: Union Artillery at Fort Smith

Fort Smith National Historic Site

Special Event
  • May 18, 2024 at 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM, and 8:30 PM
  • Free

Fort Smith National Historic Site will be hosting its largest artillery program in nearly two decades! Join with volunteers and staff from Fort Scott National Historic Site, Pea Ridge National Military Park, and Fort Smith National Historic Site as they fire FIVE cannons on Belle Point, overlooking the Arkansas River. Listen as staff and volunteers discuss the loading and firing process, ammunition and equipment, crew responsibilities, and, of course, information about the big guns themselves.

Firings will take place at each program time and the day’s events will end with a nighttime cannon firing in the dark! Bring your camera and a steady hand!

Fees

This event is free to attend.

Location

From the parking lot, follow the paved trail across the railroad tracks to the First Fort site at Belle Point, overlooking the Arkansas River.

Latitude and Longitude 35.387659, -94.432544

Schedule

Date:

May 18, 2024

Time:

11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM, 8:30 PM

Duration:

1 hour

Contact Information

Cody Faber
479.226.3727
Contact Us

Event Type

  • Campfire/Evening Program
  • Cultural/Craft Demonstration
  • Exhibition/Show
  • Living History
  • Talk
Tags: fort smith national historic site, cannon firing demonstration, artillery demonstration, civil war living history, living history, living history talks