Fort Smith National Historic Site
Fort Smith National Historic Site
Fort Smith, AR 72901
Phone:479-783-3961
Fax:479-783-5307
Web: www.nps.gov/fosm/
Size: 75 acres.
Established: Authorized on September 13, 1961.
Location:In downtown Fort Smith, 6 miles south of I-40 off Hwy. 64.
Facilities:Picnic area, visitor center, museum/exhibit, self-guided tour/trail. Entrance fee required.
Activities:Hiking, guided and self-guided tours.
Special Features:This was one of the first U.S. military posts in the LouisianaTerritory and served as a base of operations for enforcing federalIndian policy from 1817 to 1896. The park contains the remains of twofrontier military forts and the Federal Court for the Western Districtof Arkansas. Judge Isaac C. Parker served here for 21 years protectingthe rights of Native Americans and helping to bring civilized societyto lawless country. "Hanging Judge" Parker's courtroom has beenrestored with reproductions of 1880s furnishings.
See other parks in Arkansas.