Founded in 1817 by the U.S. Army to contain a volatile Indian feud, Fort Smith later served as a major supply depot for western military posts, and finally as headquarters of the Federal Court for the Western District of Arkansas. For over 80 years, the federal government used Fort Smith to establish and maintain law and order in the Indian Territory (present day Oklahoma).

Fort Smith National Historic Site preserves the remains of these two military posts and the federal court. During your visit, make sure to visit the following locations at the park.

Visitor Center- The Barracks/Courthouse/Jail building

Exhibits, restrooms, and bookstore

The Gallows

The Commissary Storehouse

The first Fort Smith

Trail of Tears Overlook

Marker is on Parker Avenue, on the left when traveling north.

Courtesy hmdb.org

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