Fort Smith National Historic Site, at 301 Parker Avenue in Fort Smith, preserves two chapters of the American frontier. The first Fort Smith was established on December 25, 1817 and the site's story runs to 1896, the end of Judge Isaac C. Parker's jurisdiction over Indian Territory. The visitor center occupies the former barracks, courthouse and jail; outside are the foundations of the first fort overlooking the Arkansas River, a jail wagon, the gallows and commissary building, and the Officers' Garden. The park explains that 86 men were hanged at Fort Smith between 1873 and 1896. Current hours in the park's summer schedule: visitor center 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily and the gallows and commissary 9:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.; the visitor center is closed on New Year's Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Check the park's pages for current hours and fees before you go.
Fort Smith is a short drive south of Van Buren across the Arkansas River, and it is the obvious next stop for visitors who liked the history in Van Buren. The park's exhibits cover the military fort, the court that ruled much of the Indian Territory in the 1800s, and the lawmen, outlaws and Native nations whose lives intersected here. Judge Parker's philosophy is summed up in a quote the park shares: Permit no innocent man to be punished, but let no guilty man escape.
Give the visit about two hours
The visitor center exhibits, a walk to the gallows and commissary, and the foundations by the river. The park is outdoors in part, so dress for the weather. The nearby US Marshals Museum is a natural pairing.
The park's summer schedule was posted; seasonal hours can differ, so use the park's own pages. Fees are listed on the park's fees page rather than on its main page, so check before you go.
What to expect
The experience
Exhibits in the restored barracks, courthouse and jail, plus outdoor stops at the gallows, commissary and foundations of the first fort.
Best time
Mornings in warm months; visitor center hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on the summer schedule.
How long
About two hours.
Tips
Check the park's fees page and current-season hours. The visitor center is closed New Year's Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Anyone interested in the frontier, Judge Parker and Indian Territory.
- Families
- Best for older children; some content concerns executions.
- Couples
- A good half-day with the Marshals Museum.
- Pair with
- The US Marshals Museum and a day on Van Buren's Main Street.
- Time needed
- Two hours.
Good questions
Where is the site?+
301 Parker Avenue, Fort Smith, Arkansas 72901. Phone 479-783-3961.
How far is it from Van Buren?+
A short drive across the Arkansas River; check a map for your starting point.
What are the hours?+
On the summer schedule the visitor center is open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily and the gallows and commissary 9:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Confirm the current schedule on the park's pages.
Is there a fee?+
The main page does not list one; see the park's fees page and note that America the Beautiful passes cover federal day-use fees.
What is the history?+
The first Fort Smith was founded on December 25, 1817, and the park covers the period to 1896 and Judge Parker's court.
