Fort Smith Then and Now

The fort has changed a lot over time.
Below are historic photos and a modern day photo taken roughtly from the same location.
Move the slider to the left and right.
How many differences can you spot?
We will list our answers at the bottom of the page.

Fort Buildings

Left image
Fort Smith from the northeast corner circa 1897
Credit: NPS

Right image
Fort Smith from the northeast corner circa 2015
Credit: NPS

Civil War

Left image
During the Civil War soldiers had to "camp" on the parade ground  because there was not enough room in the barracks building.
Credit: NPS

Right image
Parade ground circa 2015
Credit: NPS

Guardhouse

Left image
View from the second floor of the Officer's Quarters (circa 1867) looking northeast.
Credit: NPS

Right image
View looking toward guardhouse gazebo and Pendergrapf park. (circa 2014)
Credit: NPS

Gallows

Left image
Only know photo of the gallows (circa 1890)
Credit: NPS

Right image
Gallows (circa 2014)
Credit: NPS

Answers

All differences listed are referencing the historic photo.

Fort Buildings

• The guardhouse, two officers’ quarters, and quartermaster buildings are still standing.

• Barrack building (now courthouse) has only one story.

• The fort wall is still standing.

• The flagpole looks shorter.

Civil War

• Tents on the parade ground.
• Officers’ quarters is still standing.
• The second jail is not there. (built in 1888).

Guardhouse

• More buildings on the street in the historic photo.
• The guard house is still standing.
• The fort wall is still standing.
• Not as many trees in the historic photo.

Gallows

• The fort wall is still standing.
• Fence is taller.The fence boards overlap.
• The enclosure appears to be smaller.
• No “window” in the door.

Are you up for a challenge?

Here are two bonus views to check out. There are so many differences we lost count. How many can you find?

Bonus - Landscape

Left image
Circa January 1890
Credit: NPS

Right image
Circa January 2016
Credit: NPS

We believe the historic photo was taken from the new federal courthouse on 6th Street and Rogers Ave in January of 1890. The modern-day picture was taken from the roof of the Isaac C. Parker Federal Courthouse on the corner of 6th Street and Rogers Ave in the winter of 2016. Years between pictures 126.

Bonus - Aerial Views

Left image
Aerial view circa 1971
Credit: NPS

Right image
Aerial view circa 2018
Credit: NPS

A comparison looking southest in 1971 and 2018. Years between pirctures 47.