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History of Fort Smith, Arkansas, USA
Journey back in time to Fort Smith, Arkansas, USA
Explore the history, people, photographs, newspapers, postcards, and genealogy connected to Fort Smith, Arkansas, USA.
ABOUT THE PLACE
About Fort Smith
The site that would later become Fort Smith became part of the United States in the Louisiana Purchase (1803). Soon after, the Pike Expedition (1806) explored the Arkansas River. Fort Smith was founded in 1817 as a military post. A stockade was built and occupied, from 1817 until 1822, by a small troop of regulars commanded by Major William Bradford. Around the fort a small settlement began forming, but the Army abandoned the first Fort Smith in 1824 and moved 80 miles further west to Fort Gibson. Army sutler and land speculator John Rogers (who some genealogists claim to be an ancestor to 20th-century Oklahoma comedian Will Rogers) bought up former government-owned lands and promoted growth of the new civilian town of Fort Smith, eventually influencing the federal government to re-establish a military presence at Fort Smith during the era of Indian Removal and the Mexican War.
Fort Smith's name comes from General Thomas Adams Smith (1781–1844), who commanded the United States Army Rifle Regiment in 1817, headquartered near St. Louis. General Smith had ordered Army topographical engineer Stephen H. Long (1784–1864) to find a suitable site on the Arkansas River for a fort. General Smith never visited the town or forts that bore his name.
Fort Smith's name comes from General Thomas Adams Smith (1781–1844), who commanded the United States Army Rifle Regiment in 1817, headquartered near St. Louis. General Smith had ordered Army topographical engineer Stephen H. Long (1784–1864) to find a suitable site on the Arkansas River for a fort. General Smith never visited the town or forts that bore his name.
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VINTAGE FORT SMITH
Fort Smith Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
Fort Smith, Arkansas, USA
Postcard
Central M. E. Church South, and Parsonage, Fort Smith, Ark.
Fort Smith, Arkansas, USA
Postcard
Birds Eye View of Residence Section
Fort Smith, Arkansas, USA
Postcard
Free Bridge, Fort Smith, Ark.
Built 1912; Refurbished 1956; Replaced 1969
This bridge carried 2 sets of trolley car tracks inside the trusses, and 2 automobile lanes cantilevered on the outside of the trusses
https://bridgehunter.com/ar/sebastian/bh38331/
Built 1912; Refurbished 1956; Replaced 1969
This bridge carried 2 sets of trolley car tracks inside the trusses, and 2 automobile lanes cantilevered on the outside of the trusses
https://bridgehunter.com/ar/sebastian/bh38331/
Fort Smith, Arkansas, USA
Postcard
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Garrison Avenue from 9th Street Looking West, Fort Smith, Ark. (1941)
Genealogy gifts & optional resources
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Genealogy Gifts & Resources Related to FORT SMITH
ARKANSAS PRIDE - Catfish and Duck Calling Edition – Genealogy Ceramic Coffee Mug
Show off your Razorback roots with this ceramic mug that’s as charming and unique as the Natural State itself. Perfect for your morning coffee or evening tea, this mug features the humorous caption: "I'm from Arkansas! That explains a lot about my love for fried catfish and my expertise in duck calling."
LOCAL HISTORY
Discover Fort Smith: History, News, Travel, and Stories
Explore the events, newspaper stories, people, and moments that shaped Fort Smith through the years.
1817 - Fort Smith, Arkansas founded
In November 1817, the first American troops arrived at Belle Point and began building the first structures. The principal purpose of the fort was to keep the peace between the Osage and Cherokee tribes that had entered the area, as was the Fort Smith Council, a meeting held between Indian and territorial leaders in 1822. Around the fort, a small settlement began forming, taking its name from the fort that, in turn, was named for General Thomas A. Smith, the military district's commander.
1854 - Fort Smith
Fort Smith, a thriving post-village of Sebastian county, Arkansas, on the right bank of the Arkansas river, 163 miles by land W. N. W. from Little Rock, and at the western boundary of the state. It has an extensive trade with the Indian tribes, and is a military post of the United States. A weekly newspaper is published here. The government buildings are of brick. There is one frame church in the place. According to some authorities, Fort Smith is the present county seat. Population, about 1500.
1860 - DISASTROUS CONFLAGRATION AT FORT SMITH. LOSS ESTIMATED AT $200,000.
Fort Smith, Ark., Thursday, Sept. 20.
This morning, at about 4 o'clock, a fire broke out in this place, which resulted in the destruction of the City Hotel and the GARRISON block of buildings.
The value of the buildings which were destroyed was about $100,000, and the following additional losses were sustained on merchandise, furniture, &c.:
SUTTON & SPRING, dealers in dry goods, groceries, &c.; loss $35,000; no insurance.
WALTER & BOURNE, dry goods, $15,000; insured, $10,000.
A. HAMILTON CLINE, druggist, $20,000. No insurance.
BENNETT & FOSS, dry goods, &c., $15,000. Insured $5,000.
The Times printing-office, $5,000. No insurance.
G. W. LISSION, $2,000. No insurance.
J. B. GRIDLEY, $1,500. Insured $1,200.
COL. SPRING'S law office, $1,500. No insurance.
Overland Mail Company, $500. No insurance.
And the Post office, including 4,000 letters and the last California mail for Memphis.
The entire loss by this disastrous conflagration amounted to fully $200,000. The...
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This morning, at about 4 o'clock, a fire broke out in this place, which resulted in the destruction of the City Hotel and the GARRISON block of buildings.
The value of the buildings which were destroyed was about $100,000, and the following additional losses were sustained on merchandise, furniture, &c.:
SUTTON & SPRING, dealers in dry goods, groceries, &c.; loss $35,000; no insurance.
WALTER & BOURNE, dry goods, $15,000; insured, $10,000.
A. HAMILTON CLINE, druggist, $20,000. No insurance.
BENNETT & FOSS, dry goods, &c., $15,000. Insured $5,000.
The Times printing-office, $5,000. No insurance.
G. W. LISSION, $2,000. No insurance.
J. B. GRIDLEY, $1,500. Insured $1,200.
COL. SPRING'S law office, $1,500. No insurance.
Overland Mail Company, $500. No insurance.
And the Post office, including 4,000 letters and the last California mail for Memphis.
The entire loss by this disastrous conflagration amounted to fully $200,000. The...
1860 - Hanging of Horse Thieves in Arkansas.
FORT SMITH, Ark., Oct. 4.
This afternoon a man named Martin H. Gilliam, alias Wm. Owen, formerly of Johnstown, Bates county, Missouri, was hung for horse stealing in the presence of a large concourse of citizens. - He was arrested some weeks since, and an effort made to hang him, during which he broke away from the rope, and was shot down while in the act of escaping. He escaped from jail, last night, and to facilitate his flight, stole another horse but was retaken this morning at Van Buren and returned to this place.
Shortly after his execution, another prisoner was brought into town, charged with the same offense. He was examined on the street, confessed the crime, and was soon swung up alongside of his brother in crime. The second victim was a Choctaw half-breed, named Shoat. The citizens have become greatly incensed against horse thieves, as their offenses of late have been bold and numerous.
This afternoon a man named Martin H. Gilliam, alias Wm. Owen, formerly of Johnstown, Bates county, Missouri, was hung for horse stealing in the presence of a large concourse of citizens. - He was arrested some weeks since, and an effort made to hang him, during which he broke away from the rope, and was shot down while in the act of escaping. He escaped from jail, last night, and to facilitate his flight, stole another horse but was retaken this morning at Van Buren and returned to this place.
Shortly after his execution, another prisoner was brought into town, charged with the same offense. He was examined on the street, confessed the crime, and was soon swung up alongside of his brother in crime. The second victim was a Choctaw half-breed, named Shoat. The citizens have become greatly incensed against horse thieves, as their offenses of late have been bold and numerous.
1863 - September 1 - Federal troops reconquer Fort Smith Arkansas
On September 1, 1863, a significant event unfolded in the American Civil War as Federal troops successfully reconquered Fort Smith, Arkansas. This strategic victory marked a crucial turning point in the Union Army's efforts to regain control over Confederate-held territories in the Western Theater of the war. Fort Smith, situated on the Arkansas River near the border with Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma), held strategic importance due to its location as a key supply route and military outpost.
The Confederate forces had held Fort Smith since its capture in the early stages of the war, but the Union's relentless campaign to reclaim control of vital riverways and communication lines eventually led to its recapture.
The Confederate forces had held Fort Smith since its capture in the early stages of the war, but the Union's relentless campaign to reclaim control of vital riverways and communication lines eventually led to its recapture.
1800s Late -Judge Isaac Parker often called the "Hanging Judge,” from Fort Smith, Arkansas ruled over the lawless land of Indian Territory in the late 1800s. Over almost two decades, nearly 80 men were hanged at Fort Smith.
1888 - Hail and Wind Storm
Fort Smith, Arkansas: a destructive hail and wind storm visited this place on the 25th. Four small houses were demolished, and forty buildings were damaged, principally by hail. The lowest estimate of the value of the property destroyed is $25,000. This storm lasted from 8:30 to 10 p.m., the precipitation during that time being 2.32 inches. The hail was larger in size and quantity, and more severe in its effects, than any known to have fallen here since the establishment of the Signal Service Station; it covered the ground to a depth of about two inches and measured from one-quarter to one-half inch in diameter. The storm was accompanied by continuous sheet lightning and low, rumbling thunder.
National Weather Service, Monthly Weather Review, Apr 1888
National Weather Service, Monthly Weather Review, Apr 1888
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1895 - Fort Smith
Fort Smith, a post-village of Sebastian co., Ark, situated at the confluence of the Arkansas and Coteau Rivers, 165 miles by rail W.N.W. of Little Rock, and 5 miles S.W. of Van Buren. It has 5 banks, 10 churches, 5 newspaper offices, a cotton-compress, an oil-mill, 3 furniture-factories, 2 foundries, 3 planing-mills, a packing-house, a canning factory, a harness-factory, 4 paving-brick plants, and mines of semi-anthracite coal. Two bridges cross the Arkansas River at this point. Here is held a United States District Court having criminal jurisdiction of the Indian Territory. Pop. in 1890, 11,311.
1898 - TORNADO AT FORT SMITH. About Forty People Were Killed and Scores Injured.
The Wind Swept Through the City, Clearing a Wide Path,
Crushing Dwellings, Churches and Big Business Blocks,
Burying the Inmates Under Piles of Brick and Timbers.
Fire Broke Out and Consumed Many of the Victims,
Who Had Been Imprisoned by the Falling Debris.
Other Sections of Arkanas Feel the Effects of the Blow - The Long List of Identified Dead.
Fort Smith, Ark., Jan. 12. - Two score of human lives and upward of $1,000,000 worth of property were destroyed by a terrible tornado which burst upon this city a few minutes past 11 o'clock last night. The storm struck near the National cemetery and tore its way through the entire city, leaving its path marked by death and desolation. Men, women and children, peacefully asleep in their homes, were, without a moment's warning, awakened to a horrible death in the fearful storm, while others, momentarily more fortunate and who escaped the furies of the wind, met a far worse fate a few moments later in the flames which soon...
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Crushing Dwellings, Churches and Big Business Blocks,
Burying the Inmates Under Piles of Brick and Timbers.
Fire Broke Out and Consumed Many of the Victims,
Who Had Been Imprisoned by the Falling Debris.
Other Sections of Arkanas Feel the Effects of the Blow - The Long List of Identified Dead.
Fort Smith, Ark., Jan. 12. - Two score of human lives and upward of $1,000,000 worth of property were destroyed by a terrible tornado which burst upon this city a few minutes past 11 o'clock last night. The storm struck near the National cemetery and tore its way through the entire city, leaving its path marked by death and desolation. Men, women and children, peacefully asleep in their homes, were, without a moment's warning, awakened to a horrible death in the fearful storm, while others, momentarily more fortunate and who escaped the furies of the wind, met a far worse fate a few moments later in the flames which soon...
1909 - FIREBUGS START A $300,000 FIRE AT FT. SMITH
Ft. Smith, Ark., May 17. - Fire here today destroyed the Ft. Smith Compress and it's contents of five thousand bales of cotton. The loss is estimated at $300,000, covered by insurance. It is believed that the fire was incendiary origin as the flames broke out simultaneously in a dozen different places in the yard.
1916
Fort Smith, a banking city, capital of Sebastian co., Ark., at the confluence of the Arkansas and Coteau rivers, 165 miles WNW. of Little Rook, on the St. Louis and San Francisco and other railroads. It has cotton- and cotton- seed oil industries and manufactures of bricks, furniture, ice, leather, etc. Pop. in 1890. 11,311 ; in 1900, 11,587.
Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Fort Smith:
Fort Smith National Historic Site: This is a must-visit for history buffs. Explore the historic grounds, including the old courthouse, the jail, and the Commissary Visitor Center. You'll learn about the area's role in the settling of the American West.
Belle Grove Historic District: Take a stroll through this beautiful, historic neighborhood filled with well-preserved Victorian-era homes and buildings. It's a perfect spot for a leisurely walk and some great photo opportunities.
Miss Laura's Visitor Center: Housed in a former bordello, this quirky museum offers insights into the town's colorful past. It's a fun place to learn about the history of Fort Smith.
The Clayton House: This lovely historic house museum was once the home of William H.H. Clayton, a prominent federal judge. Take a guided tour to learn about the history of the house and the family that lived there.
Chaffee Crossing Historic District: This area is a former military base turned into a mixed-use...
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Belle Grove Historic District: Take a stroll through this beautiful, historic neighborhood filled with well-preserved Victorian-era homes and buildings. It's a perfect spot for a leisurely walk and some great photo opportunities.
Miss Laura's Visitor Center: Housed in a former bordello, this quirky museum offers insights into the town's colorful past. It's a fun place to learn about the history of Fort Smith.
The Clayton House: This lovely historic house museum was once the home of William H.H. Clayton, a prominent federal judge. Take a guided tour to learn about the history of the house and the family that lived there.
Chaffee Crossing Historic District: This area is a former military base turned into a mixed-use...
GENEALOGY IN FORT SMITH
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Updated: 6/29/2024 8:40:23 AM
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