Fort Smith National Historic Site
| Address: | 301 Parker Ave, Fort Smith, AR 72901, USA |
| Phone: | +1 479-783-3961 |
| Site: | nps.gov |
| Rating: | 4.7 |
| Working: | 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 50
WI
William Larson
Fort Smith is probably one of the less known historical sites in the U.S. Fort Smith was founded as a military outpost in the early 1800s. Hanging Judge Isaac C. Parker was a federal judge there for 21 years as part of the Western District of Arkansas. Judge Parker is famously mentioned in the book and subsequent movies True Grit starring John Wayne. A legendary U.S Marshal named Bass Reeves also who also worked for Judge Parker here. Bass Reeves was on the first African-American lawmen west of the Mississippi. Although he had no law enforcement experience, he spoke several Indian languages and knew the territory well. The grounds are well maintained and there are some nice displays at the museum. Because it is not well known, parking and access is easy.
D
D Purcell
Very informative site. Engaging and educational displays. You could easily spend half a day to a day taking it all in. Great collection of historic images and artifacts.The fort pulls all of this together to illustrate the complex and multilateral narrative unfolding in this region during the 19th century. They have a Jr Ranger program for the kids. Be sure to listen to Tom Ames Prayer on the way to the fort (Steve Earl). Itll set the stage for what youre about to take in.
SA
Saber Woodard
The Fort was the last stop on the trail to the old West. You can stand in the bend of the river and see the courthouse and other historical monuments around you and be sure that some of the most famous people in American history stood right there, in that exact same spot looking at that exact same bend in the river.
JO
Jonathan Bradley
It is worth the stamp. The historic aspect is appealing, but it lacks the visual stimulation of so many other NHP. Do walk down to the river for the view, I found it to be inspiring. It would be a lovely site to live next to. It is well maintained and a good place for walking and running.
SE
Sean Smith
Fort Smith was the area lawed by the outlaws worse fear in the wild west days. The Infamous "Hangin Judge" Judge Parker. He condemned over 150 men to death by hangin! On the gallows outback of the courthouse. The gallows are still their. " Helliva Historic Place " aint it?
BI
Billy Coleman
Beautifully maintained. Ft. Smiths "Central Park". Shaded by old growth trees the walk paths are a welcome Oasis from the hot sun. Nice informative points of interest. And of course the Hanging Judge with his courthouse.
CH
Chris Stantis
A nice park on its own if you want to stretch your legs along the Arkansas River. The fort/courthouse, however, is a great museum about the use of the building along with the timeline of United States/Native relations.
HR
Hrothmeir
A great place for a mini vacation. In-depth guided tour of the historic prison for a nominal fee, coupled with miles of walking trails littered with historical markers. Also a great place for Pokemon Go.
ST
Stephen Daw
What a great place to visit and learn about Fort Smith. The grounds are wonderful to walk and the views are amazing. So fun to see the court and jail too. If you are in the area, I recommend a visit.
ER
Eric Songer
Easy to visit if you only have a couple hours, but you could also spend longer reading all the history exhibits. Fascinating history. In kind of an industrial area, but easy parking once you find it.
RI
Richard Bruehahn
Very interesting park. Learned a lot about Judge Parker and the US Marshalls here. Has a nice paved trail to walk around the park and near the river. Spent a couple hours and saw all I wanted.
KR
kristyl bridgett
There is so much here that I did not know. I spent hours reading the signs and learning more about the history. Being able to see the original gallows was amazing.
MO
Moses Mclaughlin
Little known historic site. Most locals dont even know about it. Beautiful walking path overlooking the river. Historical building where fort smith started
MA
Marjorie Remly-Long
Very clean place amazing grounds and info on history. We bought the park senior card and it has saved us money along our trip, at other places
TA
Tammy Fletcher
We enjoyed our visit and will return in 2019 when US Marshal Museum opens. Would have liked to hear about Mexican American War and Zachary.
BR
Bradd Hill
Interesting history of 19th century western Arkansas and Oklahoma territory. Enjoyed it at lot. Were there about one and half hours.
AU
austen upton
It was really neat to walk around and read about the history of the area. Though as it gets dark there is very little lighting.
TE
texconfed
Beautiful location on the banks at the confluence of the Arkansas and Poteau rivers. A site that is truly rich with history.
SO
Sou Seuasingnouane
Great historic park and a great walking trail down by the river. It is a closed to the other sites and museums downtown.
SP
Spencer Stantis
Very interesting national park. Great staff, very informative museum, and some nice walkways. Its also good for kids.
B
B
Very educational and well preserved. They do charge admission for the inside exhibits though unless you have a pass.
KI
Kimber Lee
My kids loved this site, no eye rolls, heavy sighs or Im boreds. They actually enjoyed themselves. It was amazing.
MI
Miguel A. Alvarez
So interesting and well presented. Walk the grounds and enjoy the views of the river and the history of the place.
OL
Olivia Floyd
Gorgeous land. Lots of history. Fun, talkative staff. The buildings are all original so its really cool to see!
JA
Janet Diane Humphrey
Great historical site. Walking tours or go inside the museum to learn more about early frontier history.
CH
Chris Smith
Really good place to go. We spent all day going through the building and walking around the grounds.
M
M Davidson
Beautiful park attached to the River Walk. Loads of things to see with all the museums and markers.
CH
Charles Shirley
Absolutely amazing site to visit! Make sure you walk back to the river and see the beautiful view!
TR
Travis Jackson
I really enjoy getting to visit this piece of history. Its always kept clean whenever I visit too.
BU
Buell Nunnery
Very interesting place to take you back in time being a history buff we found it very enjoyable
DA
Danys Betts
Had a great time walking around showing my child where some of her Native ancestry comes from
CH
Chris McLeod
It is a good way to just get our of the house, especially since I had the flu for 5 days :/
WI
William Zelaya
Excellent museum, very informative on the history of Fort Smith. A must see in Fort Smith.
HO
Holly Baker
There is so much important history here. I will need to make a second trip to see it all!
DA
David Jones
Interesting and well presented story about the fort and its role in western history.
DA
Dale Olson
Fun. Great walking trail. Museum closes at 5pm. Great for a family walk or a picnic
BI
Bill McEwen
Great for a day visit. Federal Park, well maintained. Nice walk down by the river.
RO
Ronnie Purtle
Lots of history dating back to when Ft Smith was the gateway to the west
RO
Ronald Crocker
The history of Fort Smith and the Indian Territory is fascinating.
AN
Angela Priest
Nice staff, guided tours or self guide. Lots of history and a film.
JA
Jason vaughn
Great place to learn some history dont forget to ride the train
HI
Hilal Ergul
Green and blue as far as the eye can see. Simply picturesque!
DA
Dane Hanrahan
Another beautiful park that helps us understand our history.
CR
Crystal Stevens
Pokemon go great spot safe clear paths fun views by the river
HA
Harrison Tooley
It was a great place with lots of historical information.
EL
Elizabeth Ann
Love walking around by the river such a beautiful view.
BE
Bethany Shirley
Garrison Flag raised today at Judge Parkers Courthouse
LI
Linda McLaughlin
Took my granddaughter(12) She really enjoyed It!
MA
Matthew Kriezelman
Nice park to walk around and good historical markers
WI
William Novak
One of my favorite places to go. Perfect to relax.
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