Plan Your Visit

The first Fort Smith was named after the commander of the US Army Rifle Regiment, General Thomas Smith. It was located at Belle Point at the confluence of the Arkansas and Poteau Rivers and was active for just over six years.

Built in 1838, the historic Commissary building's uses and appearance have changed many times throughout its nearly two centuries standing.

Execution by hanging. In Fort Smith, 81 men were hanged for murder and 5 for rape.

Wayside describing how the building has changed over time.

After the U.S. Army closed Fort Smith in 1871, the federal court converted the guardhouse into a jail for women.

Inside the historic Commissary building.

Commissary and Train Depot

Courtroom used from 1872 until 1890.

Fort Smith was home to two different jails.

Execution by hanging. In Fort Smith, 81 men were hanged for murder and 5 for rape.

Built in 1838, the historic Commissary building's uses and appearance have changed many times throughout its nearly two centuries standing.

Inside the historic Commissary building.

Location of former guardhouse and federal jail.

The quartermaster's storehouse and the initial point marker for the boundary survey.

Fort Smith was based on coastal fort design with a stone wall 12 feet high and 2 feet thick.

Replica of fort wall.

Fort Smith had five bastions.

From 1846-1871, the parade ground was the center of life at the fort.

The north end officer's quarters was completed in 1852.

The Officers' Garden is a recreation of an 1860s garden at Fort Smith National Historic Site.

Learn more about Major Stephen H. Long, the topographical engineer who chose Belle Point as the site of the first Fort Smith.

A history of how Major Bradford's Company of the Rifle Regiment established the first Fort Smith.

The foundation of the first Fort Smith blockhouse still remains today, although some sections remain hidden underground for their preservation.

Regiment of Riflemen fort life on the western frontier.

In 1821, the Osage and the Regiment of Riflemen at the first Fort Smith engaged in a tense standoff.

After over six years, the first Fort Smith was abandoned as soldiers were ordered to push further west into Indian Territory.

Saloon

In 1825, Arkansas Territory was to the East and Choctaw territory to the West.

The quartermaster's storehouse and the initial point marker for the boundary survey.

Brief history of Osage Nation in Arkansas Territory

A history of how Major Bradford's Company of the Rifle Regiment established the first Fort Smith.

In 1821, the Osage and the Regiment of Riflemen at the first Fort Smith engaged in a tense standoff.

The Council of 1865 at Fort Smith was a meeting of different tribal and U.S. Government representatives.