Fort Smith
National Historic Site

Fort Smith National Historic Site embraces the remains of two frontier forts and the Federal Court for the Western District of Arkansas. Commemorating a significant phase of America's westward expansion, it stands today as a reminder of 80 turbulent years in the history of Federal Indian Policy.

VISITATION:

Highest in May through July; lowest in January and February.

LOCATION:

Fort Smith, AR

ADDRESS:

P.O. Box 1406
Fort Smith, AR 72902

TELEPHONE:

(501) 783-3961

OPERATING HOURS, SEASONS:

Daily, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Closed December 25 and January 1.

CLIMATE, RECOMMENDED CLOTHING:

Summers are hot and humid. Winters are mild with periodic rain or snow. Wear comfortable clothing with walking shoes.

DIRECTIONS:

Fort Smith National Historic Site is located on Rogers Avenue between Second and Third streets in downtown Fort Smith. It can be reached from Garrison Street (U.S. 64) by turning one block south to Rogers Avenue.

TRANSPORTATION:

To Park: taxis, personal vehicle. Access by Interstate Highway 40 to U.S 64 and Interstate Highway 540 to Highway 22. Fort Smith is serviced by a regional airport.
In Park: on foot.

FEES, COSTS, RATES:

No entrance fees are collected at this time.

FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES:
Visitor Center/Exhibits:

The temporary visitor center is located at the corner of 3rd and Parker. The Barracks / Courthouse building is currently closed for renovation. When completed, the building will include the restored courtroom of Judge Isaac C. Parker and a museum with exhibits outlining the history of the site. On the grounds, park visitors can also see the site of the first fort, gallows and historic Commissary Building.

Trails, Roads:

Maintained trails lead visitors through this urban park. A trail also leads to the site of the first fort and along the Arkansas River.

Programs/Activities:

Programs vary through the year. Contact the park for further information.

Lodging and camping facilities:

Not available in the park. A wide variety of motels and hotels are available in the city.

Food/supplies:

Not available in the park. Restaurants and grocery stores are available in the city.

Other Concessions/NPS-Managed Visitor Facilities and Opportunities:

A bookstore is operated by Eastern National.

Accessibility:

Most park facilities are accessible to persons with mobility challenges. If you require assistance, please notify park staff.

Special Needs:

Parking is available, including parking for buses, in the site's parking lot.

RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES/PARK USE:

Sightseeing at the various historic areas within the park grounds, visiting the site of the first fort, walking the river trail to the Trail of Tears overlook, and viewing the exhibits in the temporary visitor center.

RESERVATIONS/PERMITS:

Reservations are necessary only for school groups or tour groups. Fee waivers can also be obtained.

BASIC VISIT RECOMMENDATIONS:

Visit the temporary visitor center, view park video, visit gallows, commissary building, and the site of the first fort.

SPECIAL EVENTS, PROGRAMS:

Various events, including encampments, special tours, and temporary exhibits are presented throughout the year.

ADJACENT VISITOR ATTRACTIONS:

The Fort Smith Museum of History is located on Rogers, one block from the Park.

Miss Laura's Visitor Center, Fort Smith Convention and Visitors Bureau. 2 North B Street.
Fort Smith Trolley Museum, 100 S. 4th Street.
Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center. Spiro, Oklahoma.

Last Updated:Sunday, 15-Aug-99 15:12:52
http://www.nps.gov/fosm/
Author: Eric Leonard