Meeting of Nations

Wayside panel discussing the Council of 1865.

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Location:

Parade Ground

Amenities

2 listed

Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Wheelchair Accessible

The Fort Smith Council was held in the former enlisted men’s barracks, now the visitor center at Fort Smith National Historic Site, in September 1865. To establish relations following the Civil War, delegates of twelve Tribal Nations met with President Andrew Johnson’s representatives. Bitterly divided, tribal members had fought for both sides in the war, but the United States now treated them all as defeated enemies. Tribes were told their rights had been forfeited, their slaves must be freed, and their property could be confiscated.

The Council ended with little resolved. Not expecting to sign treaties, and concerned that tribal sovereignty was at stake, representatives pledged allegiance to the United States. A year later in Washington DC, tribes signed separate treaties with the federal government.

Representatives from the following tribal nations were present at the Fort Smith Council: Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Comanche, Muscogee (Creek), Osage, Quapaw, Seminole, Seneca, Shawnee, Wichita, and Wyandotte.