Fort Smith National Historic Site

PARK OVERVIEW

Fort Smith National Historic Site is located in Fort Smith, Arkansas. It explores 80 years of turbulent history on the western frontier involving Indians, soldiers, outlaws, and lawmen. The first Fort Smith was established in 1817 to keep the peace between Native American tribes. It was abandoned in 1824 as the frontier pushed farther west. The military returned in 1833, and the second Fort Smith (what stands today) was built in 1838 due to an unfounded fear of an Indian attack in what was then known as Indian Territory. The second fort eventually became an important supply depot as westward migration surged during the California Gold Rush. After the Civil War there was little need for the fort, and it was closed in 1871.

In 1872, the Federal Court for the Western District of Arkansas, which had jurisdiction over Indian Territory, relocated to the former military barracks. A courtroom was built on one side of the first floor, and offices for the United States Marshals and court clerks were built on the other side. The former mess hall in the basement was turned into a primitive jail—nicknamed Hell-on-the-Border—with just two large cells and unsanitary conditions. In 1896, the court’s jurisdiction over Indian Territory ended after an 1889 congressional act officially established federal courts inside the territory.

Begin your visit to Fort Smith National Historic Site by stopping at the Visitor Center (inside the former barracks) to pick up a park brochure and tour the old courtroom and one of the remaining jail cells. There is also an extensive exhibit area and a short park film. Afterwards, head outside to explore the fort grounds, which include the historic commissary building, the reconstructed gallows, and the River Loop Trail where you can see the site of the first fort.

OPERATING HOURS

The grounds of Fort Smith National Historic Site are open year-round from dawn to dusk. The Visitor Center, the Commissary, and the Gallows are open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM during the spring, summer, and fall, and on Tuesdays through Sundays during the winter (same hours). They are closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Keep in mind that times can always change, so be sure to check the National Park Service’s official Operating Hours and Seasons web page for the latest schedule.

FEES

There are no fees to visit Fort Smith National Historic Site.

SCHEDULING YOUR TIME

Visitor Center
Allow up to 1 hour

Fort Grounds
Allow 45 minutes

River Loop Trail
Allow 30 to 45 minutes

Back to the Top