Admission is free. Closed Monday and State Holidays. Exhibits here illustrate the history of the Cherokee from 1600 to 1907 and the development of Sequoyah's syllabary. Visitors are taught the use of this Cherokee alphabet and given a computer printout of their names and common greetings in Cherokee.

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From the establishment of the first Fort Smith on December 25,1817 to the final days of Judge Isaac C. Parker's jurisdiction over Indian Territory in 1896. Fort Smith National Historic Site preserves almost 80 years of history. 

Explore life on the edge of Indian Territory through the stories of soldiers, the Trail of Tears, dangerous outlaws, and the brave lawmen who pursued them.

The visitor center has evolved over time. Beginning in 1846 it was the enlisted men's barracks and dining hall. In 1872, it was converted to a courthouse and jail. A second more modern jail was built in 1888. The last major change occurred between 1996-2000 when the buildings were renovated and exhibits added making the building accessible to all visitors. The visitor center helps tell the story of Fort Smith from 1817 to 1896.

Open daily except New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, & Christmas. Great museum, cemetery, grounds (bring a picnic lunch), and much more!

479-783-3961

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Visitors can be reminded of one of the most chaotic eras in the history of Fort Smith, Arkansas with a visit to the barracks/courthouse, jail and restored gallows of the "Hanging" Judge Isaac C. Parker. Located in downtown Fort Smith, it is just a short drive of 23 miles.

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Cherokee Village provides you the chance to experience Cherokee life in the early 18th century and features 19 wattle and daub structures, 14 interpretive stations, and a detailed historic landscape set on four acres of land adjacent to the Cherokee Heritage Center. Visitors witness daily life as they are guided through the interpretive stations where crafts are demonstrated, stories are told, and Cherokee lifeways are explained.The overall village includes eight residential sites, each with a Cherokee summer house and winter house, a corn crib, a “kitchen garden” and additional landscaping. The public complex consists of the primary council house and summer council pavilion overlooking a large plaza that served as the center of community activity. In addition, two recreation areas featuring a marble field and stickball field showcase the Cherokee games that are still played today.TRAIL OF TEARS EXHIBIT A permanent exhibit explores the forced removal of Cherokee from their indigenous territory to the “Indian Territory," present day Oklahoma. The exhibit is staged in six galleries, each of which, through documentation and artifacts, concentrates on specific aspects of Cherokee history and culture.

• Pre-Removal: Cherokee life before the Trail of Tears
  
• Court Battles: Events and legal issues leading up to forced removal
  
• Prisoners With No Crime: Imprisoned in Stockades before the Trail
  
• Many Tribes, Many Trails: The USA's forced removal of other indigenous tribes
  
• Removal: Geographical route of and events along the Trail of Tears
  
• Starting Over: Rebuilding our Nation from scratch: our ability to adapt, thrive and excel
  

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