Fort Smith

Fort Smith National Historic Site commemorates a place of courage, survival, and despair. It spans the history of the US from the early 1800s to the end of the frontier era. The site includes the remains of two forts: Fort Smith, which was built in 1817, and Fort Gibson, which was built in 1824. The forts served as homes for troops, as well as a base for operations against Native American tribes. In addition, the forts served as judicial centers, and the gallows at Fort Smith were used to execute numerous criminals, including the notorious outlaws Belle Starr and James Bowie. The site includes the remains of two frontier forts and a new Visitor Center that tells the stories of people who lived and worked here: American Indians, judges, lawmen, outlaws, and soldiers. The forts served as places of refuge during wars and as homes for families in peace-time. The Visitor Center is located in downtown Fort Smith, just a few blocks from where the forts once stood.