Fort Smith in Sebastian County, Arkansas — The American South (West South Central)
The Parade Grounds
Fort Smith National Historic Site
| | National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior | |
Photographed by Denise Boose, July 13, 2012
1. The Parade Grounds Marker
“A broad gravel driveway around the grounds encompassed an inner circle and this was the parade ground In the center stood a tall flagstaff, from which dizzy height, “Old Glory,” flung its protecting folds to the breeze. Morning and evening to the salute of a cannon and the strains of martial music, the flag was raised and lowered.”-Mary Rutherford Cravens, recalling life at the second Fort Smith.
Gate A
When U.S. Army engineers designed the second Fort Smith in 1838, they provided strong fortifications in the form of a large stonewall. Although no military threats to the post ever arose, the wall remained in place until 1897. Today, the location of the wall is outlined by the continuous band of stone behind you. The gateway behind you, Gate A, served as the main gate between the post and the town of Fort Smith.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Military. A significant historical year for this entry is 1838.
Location.
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the Arkansas River Valley, in the Cherokee Heritage Region, and in Osage Territory. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Upper South. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, the Louisiana Purchase, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Explorando Fort Smith / Exploring Fort Smith (a few steps from this marker); The Guardhouse, 1849-1871 (a few steps from this marker); The Womens Jail, 1872-1888 (a few steps from this marker); The Flagstaff (within shouting distance of this marker); The Bastion That Never Was (within shouting distance of this marker); Deputy U.S. Marshal Bass Reeves (within shouting distance of this marker); Frisco Train Depot (within shouting distance of this marker); A Building Worth Saving (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Smith.
Photographed by Denise Boose, July 13, 2012
2. The Parade Grounds Marker
Photographed by Denise Boose, July 13, 2012
3. The Parade Grounds Marker
Photographed by Denise Boose, July 13, 2012
4. The Parade Grounds Marker
Gate A Ca 1870. The city of Fort Smith is visible beyond the fort wall to the north.
Photographed by Denise Boose, July 13, 2012
5. The Parade Grounds Marker
The photograph shows, Union Soldiers camped on the parade ground at Fort Smith, during the Civil War. With over two thousand troops garrisoned here, there was not adequate space for all in the buildings of the post. The photograph was taken from the opposite end of the parade grounds, the officers quarters are on the left and the barracks is on the right.
Photographed by Denise Boose, July 13, 2012
6. Map of historic markers and grounds.
Photographed by Denise Boose, July 13, 2012
7. The Parade Grounds
Photographed by Denise Boose, July 13, 2012
8. Fort Smith National Historic Site Marker
Fort Smith
National Historic Site
Gateway A
U.S. Department of the Interior
Photographed by Denise Boose, July 13, 2012
9. The Parade Grounds & Marker
Photographed by Denise Boose, July 13, 2012
10. Constructed in 2000 A.D.
Photographed by Denise Boose, July 13, 2012
11. National Park Service Symbol
Credits. This page was last revised on June 12, 2020. It was originally submitted on August 6, 2012, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. This page has been viewed 903 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11. submitted on August 6, 2012, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
