The Fort Smith National Historic Site, located in Fort Smith, Arkansas, near the eastern border of Oklahoma, offers visitors insight into the area's rich history. This site has played a significant role in shaping the region, from the first Native American inhabitants to the frontier's early days to the establishment of the federal court. Park rangers are essential in preserving and interpreting this history, ensuring visitors have a meaningful and educational experience.
We recently spoke with Cody Farber, a Park Ranger, weapons manager and living history coordinator, to learn more about this essential spot in our town's history and a must-see destination for visitors. His insight revealed the landmark's historical significance, ways to explore the grounds better, and how this northwest border is a gateway to the rest of the community.
Exploring Fort Smith National Historic Site
The Fort Smith National Historic Site presents a wide range of topics to explore, including frontier history, the African American experience during the Civil War, the federal court's role at the western boundary of the United States, and the impacts of westward expansion on the region. Visitors can discover the lives of those who lived and worked at the fort, their challenges, and their contributions to the area's development. This site offers a thorough examination of the American frontier, highlighting the vital role of the federal court in maintaining law and order during westward expansion and assessing the significant effects this expansion had on the region and its Indigenous populations.
Through exhibits, artifacts, and interpretive programs, visitors can understand the daily lives of the diverse individuals who lived and worked at the fort, including soldiers, law enforcement officials, traders, settlers, and Native Americans. The site highlights the challenges these individuals faced, such as harsh environmental conditions, cultural clashes, and the displacement of Native American communities; the fort was the final stop on the Trail of Tears, both on foot and by water.
The Role of a Park Ranger
Park rangers are vital in operating the Fort Smith National Historic Site, a recognized cultural storytelling destination within the National Park System. They are responsible for providing exceptional customer service to visitors and ensuring a positive and memorable experience. They also lead educational programs and guided tours, sharing their knowledge and expertise with the public. In addition, park rangers preserve and maintain the historical artifacts, documents and structures within the park.
A Day in the Life
A typical day for a Fort Smith National Historic Site park ranger might begin with checking emails and absorbing the day’s schedule. The park ranger may prepare for visitor interactions, ensuring they have the materials and information to provide a high-quality experience for walk-up guests for school groups. They often operate the site's gift shop and educational resources. The park ranger may lead guided tours, answer visitor questions, and assist with daily educational programs. Occasionally, they train volunteers for specific jobs that help extend their work and the number of people they can serve. They may also be involved in research and preservation projects, working to protect and interpret the site's historical resources.
In addition to their interactions with the public, park rangers play a vital role in research and preservation. They may conduct meticulous research into the site's history, uncovering new insights and shedding light on forgotten stories. They may also work on preservation projects, carefully conserving the site's historical resources for future generations. This may involve anything from stabilizing historic structures to documenting archaeological artifacts.
The life of a park ranger at Fort Smith National Historic Site combines education, conservation and public service. It is a demanding but rewarding role that requires a profound understanding of history relevant to the site, a passion for preservation and storytelling, and a commitment to ensuring visitors have an unforgettable experience.
Locations to Highlight at the Fort
Cody Farber, Park Ranger and Coordinator of Volunteer and Educational Programs at the National Historic Site shared three of his favorite spots on a site where he is living out his childhood dreams on the grounds that raised him and often filled his “reward” days as a kid.
Courtroom
The controversial Judge Isaac Parker presided over the original courtroom (depicted in our reproduction), the federal court for the Western District of Arkansas from 1875 to 1896. Parker earned the nickname "The Hanging Judge" due to the high number of executions under his jurisdiction. The court heard numerous cases related to crimes committed in Indian Territory, including murder, robbery, and horse theft.
Gallows
The gallows site is a chilling reminder of the site's history as a place of judgment and execution. Their proximity to the courtroom underscores the swift and severe justice meted out at the fort, where criminals were tried and sentenced to death. Today, visitors can walk around the gallows site and listen to stories on wayfinding signs around the outdoor exhibit.
Belle Point | First Fort remnants
The site of the first Fort Smith was established in 1817. Belle Point is named after Captain John Belle, who commanded the fort from 1822 to 1824. The initial site featured a small wooden stockade with four blockhouses and a single gate. It functioned as a military outpost and trading center for the surrounding area. The fort was abandoned in 1824 due to its remote location and lack of supplies, but it was rebuilt in 1838 during removal efforts.
Today, Belle Point is a popular spot for visitors to enjoy as a reflection point and the best sunsets over the converging Poteau and Arkansas Rivers.
Other highlights include:
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Visitor Center & Museum: located inside the enlisted men's barracks
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Commissary: Originally constructed in 1838, this is the oldest standing building in Fort Smith and has served many purposes, including a supply depot, the Freedmen's Bureau, officers’ quarters, and Judge Parker's office for a time.
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The Trail of Tears Overlook: This point marks the location where members of all five tribes made their final steps from federal lands into Indian Territory. Whether they traveled by foot or by boat, this was the "crossing over" point at the end of their journeys.
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Birdwatching: The 1.5-mile trail along the Arkansas River is a great place to see several species of birds, including geese, ducks, pelicans, migratory species and a winter eagle.
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Promenade: an oval-shaped outdoor space initially used for Sunday gatherings and military practice
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Heritage Garden: A re-creation of the 1860s garden that existed during the Second Fort Smith period, tended to by the officers' wives and children.
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Railroad: The limestone Frisco station, built in 1904, stands as a community landmark of a different time that built Fort Smith. This is a fun destination for children who like trains, but they are active rail lines.
For more exploring, check out this virtual tour of the grounds.
Living History Education Programs
One unique opportunity at Fort Smith National Historic Site is the living history education program. This program allows visitors to experience history firsthand through demonstrations, reenactments and hands-on activities. The park ranger plays a key role in these programs, providing historical context and interpretation and ensuring visitors have a safe and educational experience.
Fall Fest at the Fort
The Fall Fest at Fort Smith is an annual celebration of the fort's history and the surrounding area. It offers various activities for visitors of all ages, including living history reenactments, demonstrations and hands-on experiences. A key festival highlight is interacting with volunteers and actors who portray the history of the fort's Civil War.
Visitors can explore the various units that served at the fort, the weapons they used and the battles they fought. They can also observe cavalry lessons, cannon demonstrations, militia marches and infantry drills. The festival is an excellent way to learn about history and experience the sights and sounds of the Civil War era.
Learn more about Festivals and Events in Fort Smith.
Nearby Attractions
In addition to the Fort Smith National Historic Site, there are many other things to see and do in the downtown area directly connected to the stories and history of the National Historic Site.
The Fort Smith National Historic Site plays a vital role in preserving and sharing America's rich history. Local park rangers serve as guardians in this effort. Their dedication ensures that visitors have a meaningful and educational experience, as the Site offers a unique blend of history, culture, and nature.
