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Fort Smith National Historic SitePark staff and volunteers dressed as first fort soldiers prepare to fire cannon
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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
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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.
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reproduction of keelboat on Arkansas River with first fort soldier reenactors  

Did You Know?
Fort Smith was established on Christmas Day, 1817. Approximately 70 Rifle Regiment soldiers arrived by keelboat after a long journey on the Arkansas River.

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