Arkansas Post National Memorial in Arkansas County, Arkansas — The American South (West South Central)
The Arkansas Posts
1686 — 1863
— Two Centuries of Settlement on the Arkansas River —
Photographed By Mark Hilton, August 26, 2017
1. The Arkansas Posts Marker
Arkansas Post was not a single fort and trading center. From 1686 until 1863 there were no fewer than seven posts on the Arkansas River between here and the Missişsippi. The flags of five nations flew over them.
The 1686 post of Frenchman Henri de Tonti — the initial Arkansas Post — was the first European settlement in the lower Mississippi Valley, predating New Orleans by 32 years. Succeeding military and trading posts under French and Spanish rule operated here until 1804 when the United States flag first flew over the Post of Arkansas.
In 1819 Arkansas Post became capital of Arkansas Territory. After Little Rock was founded in 1821, the capital moved there, and Arkansas Post declined in political importance. Union forces captured the Confederate fort here in January 1863, destroying much of the town.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Settlements & Settlers • War, US Civil. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1863.
Location. 34° 1.006′ N, 91° 20.679′ W. Marker is in Arkansas Post National Memorial, Arkansas, in Arkansas County. Marker can be reached
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Colbert Raid (within shouting distance of this marker); Edge of Empires (within shouting distance of this marker); First Post of Arkansas (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); American Townsite (about 500 feet away); The Post of Arkansas (about 700 feet away); The European Settlement (approx. 0.2 miles away); Stone from Ruins of Old Bank (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Post under Spain (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Arkansas Post National Memorial.
Photographed By Mark Hilton, August 26, 2017
2. The Arkansas Posts Marker
Photographed By Mark Hilton, August 26, 2017
3. View from marker towards the visitors center.
Photographed By Mark Hilton, September 18, 2017
4. The five flags of the Arkansas Post.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 31, 2020. It was originally submitted on September 18, 2017, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 405 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 18, 2017, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
