Free Topo Maps of Fort Smith National Historic Site

Download free topo maps of Fort Smith National Historic Site. Use the adjoining 7.5 minute quadrangle legend to locate the Arkansas maps you need.

Adjoining 7.5' Quadrangle Legend

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  1. Northwest Topo Map: Nicut, OK
  2. North Topo Map: Uniontown, AR
  3. Northeast Topo Map: Rudy, AR
  4. West Topo Map: Muldrow, OK
  5. Topo Map: Fort Smith, AR
  6. East Topo Map: Van Buren, AR
  7. Southwest Topo Map: Fort Coffee, OK
  8. South Topo Map: South Fort Smith, AR
  9. Southeast Topo Map: Barling, AR
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Fort Smith National Historic Site

Fort Smith National Historic Site is located in the state of Arkansas, along the Arkansas River on the Oklahoma border. The original Fort was built on the river at Belle Point in 1817, while the second Fort was constructed in 1838, near the river, but on higher ground. A military barracks on the site was converted into a federal court in 1872, where Isaac Charles Parker, known as the "Hanging Judge" presided for twenty-one years. His life became legendary during expansion of the American Old West. During the 1950s the City Fort Smith restored remains of the historic courthouse and rebuilt the gallows where numerous convicted outlaws were hanged. A petition to preserve the buildings as a National Historic Site was initiated; however to meet standards it was necessary for the Site to be of national significance; therefore the military history of the two forts needed to be included in addition to the history of Judge Parker's court. Fort Smith citizens raised capital and volunteers to excavate the grounds of the original riverfront fort, reconstructed the original perimeter foundation to illustrate the size and configuration of the Old Fort, and the City donated ten acres towards the site, while citizens added another five acres. Fort Smith National Historic Site is a testament to the tenacity of the proud citizens of the City that was founded around Fort Smith. Today the Visitor Center contains cultural and historic exhibits relating to the First and Second Forts and conversion of the military barracks into a Federal Courthouse; and the tragic history of the American Indians living in the Deep South when federally sanctioned confiscation of Indian lands began, as newly formed states were expanding. The "Trail of Tears" is a National Historic Trail commemorating the history of the American Indians who were forcibly removed from autonomous lands and relocated to Oklahoma. Fort Smith was a stopping point along the relocation path. The Indian Tribes were decimated by disease and starvation during the move. This 40 acre urban park provides visitors an opportunity to experience the American Old West, mixed with the antebellum South of the pre-Civil War era. Stroll through the grounds, with educational panels along the way, view the site of the First Fort Smith, which was ironically built in 1817 to keep the peace between various Indian Tribes living in the territories; then stop at the Trail of Tears Overlook to contemplate the tragic history that followed. The Visitor Center in the Old Courthouse contains history, exhibits, Ranger Talks and a film which encompasses the diverse history of this region. This is definitely a place to visit for those who love the Old West.