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Fort Smith National Historic Site
Artifact of the Month
Each month the park features an artifact from the collection, not currently on exhibit.

Use the links at the bottom of the page to view previous months.
 
Civil War steamboat pass
 

DECEMBER 2007 ARTIFACT OF THE MONTH

Steamboat Pass
December 26, 1864

This Civil War era steamboat pass was issued during the Union occupation of Fort Smith.  The original is in the collection of the Fort Smith National Historic Site and a reproduction is on display in the visitor center.

Mrs. Hickens, her child and a servant were given authority by Colonel William R. Judson of the 6th Kansas Cavalry to travel the Arkansas River from Fort Smith to Little Rock.  She traveled on the "Carrie Jacobs" steamer.

 
Park staff and volunteers demonstrating using lindstock and slowmatch to ignite the cannon's primer  

Did You Know?
The soldiers who came to Fort Smith in 1817 were still using some 18th century technology and drill. The cannon was discharged using a lindstock and slowmatch to ignite the primer, which originally was loose powder or a turkey quill filled with powder.

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Last Updated: December 22, 2007 at 16:33 EST