About Fort Smith National Historic Site
Fort Smith National Historic Site, administered by the U.S. National Park Service, preserves almost 80 years of history on the edge of the American frontier and Indian Territory. From the establishment of the first Fort Smith on December 25, 1817, to the final days of Judge Isaac C. Parker's jurisdiction over Indian Territory in 1896, the site tells the story of soldiers, the Trail of Tears, scandals, outlaws, and the lawmen who pursued them.
Among the figures central to the site's story is Judge Isaac C. Parker, who famously charged that the court "permit no innocent man to be punished, but let no guilty man escape." Between 1873 and 1896, eighty-six men were hanged for their crimes under the court's jurisdiction, an era that gave Fort Smith its enduring reputation. The site interprets both the military post and the federal court that defined life on this turbulent frontier border.
What to Explore
- The history of the frontier military post, established in 1817
- The federal courtroom of Judge Isaac C. Parker, the "Hanging Judge"
- The story of the Trail of Tears as it relates to Indian Territory
- The deputy marshals, outlaws, and lawmen of the Indian Territory border
- Junior Ranger activities for visitors of all ages
Planning Your Visit
Fort Smith National Historic Site is located at 301 Parker Avenue, Fort Smith, AR 72901. Operating hours and program schedules are set by the National Park Service and can change seasonally, so confirm current details and plan your visit using the official website at nps.gov/fosm, where you can find maps, fee information, and accessibility details.
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