Arkansas - Fort Smith National Historic Site
Fort Smith (First Fort, 1817-1824)
Ruins of a Frontier Outpost
Archaeologists have uncovered
and stabilized the stone ruins of
the original Fort Smith, built on a
hill overlooking the Arkansas
River in 1817.
Interpretive Panels
Displays like this one help
visitors visualize the appearance
of the original fort as they walk
among its ruins.
The Arkansas River and Belle Point from
the ruins of the first Fort Smith
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The U.S. Army first came to Fort Smith
in 1817 when the site was selected
for the construction of a new outpost
to help prevent war between the
Osage and the newcomer Cherokee.
Complying with orders from Major
General (and future President)
Andrew Jackson, 64 riflemen arrived
at the confluence of the Arkansas and
Poteau Rivers on Christmas Day,
1817, after a grueling 200 mile
journey by keelboat.
Commanded by Major William
Bradford, the men constructed a log
stockade they initially called "Camp
Smith" on the top of the bluff at a
location the French had called Belle
Point. The fort, designed by Major
Stephen Long (future selector of the
site of the modern city of Atlanta), was
rectangular in shape with two block-
houses and other structures.
The original fort was held until 1824,
when it is abandoned in favor of new
posts further west in what is now
Oklahoma.
Archaeological research at the site has
revealed the ruins of the first Fort Smith.
Stone foundations of blockhouses and other
structures have been located and can be
seen by visitors. Interpretive panels help
visitors visualize the appearance of the
original fort and are placed at key points
around the ruins. The blufftop at the original
fort site offers a panoramic view of the
confluence of the Poteau and Arkansas
Rivers.
