National Park Service LogoU.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park ServiceNational Park Service
National Park Service: U.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park Service Arrowhead
 
 
Support the National Park Service
Fort Smith National Historic Sitesoldiers from 13 Kansas in formation on Garrison Ave.
view map
text size:largestlargernormal
printer friendly
Fort Smith National Historic Site
Stories of the Second Fort
 
breakfast in camp during a Civil War living history event
Breakfast in Camp
Civil War Living History Event

The second Fort Smith was garrisoned from 1838 to 1871. While the fort was never needed for defense purposes it served as a training ground for soldiers in the War with Mexico and became a major supply depot for the U.S. Army. During the Civil War it was occupied by both forces.
Sibley tents in front of Officers' Quarter during Civil War
Second Fort Smith
Confederate Attack on Fort Smith 1864
more...
100 foot garrison flag flies in middle of parade ground at second Fort Smith
Postcards of Second Fort Smith
Several postcards show views of what the fort looked like before 1870.
more...
foundation remains of first fort overlooking Arkansas River  

Did You Know?
The U.S. Army selected a spot overlooking the confluence of the Arkansas and Poteau Rivers for the site of a fort. Soldiers from the Rifle Regiment arrived in 1817 and named the site Fort Smith after their commanding officer, Thomas A. Smith.

Disclaimer Accessibility Privacy Policy FOIA Notices USA.gov

Last Updated: June 27, 2007 at 18:12 EST