Memories by Jody

Foundation Remains of First Fort

The area overlooking the confluence of the Arkansas and Poteau Rivers had been named Belle Point by French fur trappers who traveled along the rivers in the 18th century.  When the U.S. Army decided to establish a fort near the Osage boundary at the Arkansas River, Belle Point was the site chosen by Major Stephen H. Long of the Topographical Engineers.  Long accompanied Major Bradford and the U.S. Rifle Regiment when they arrived in 1817 and drew up construction plans for the fort.