#OnThisDay in 1961, FortSmithNPS in #Arkansas officially became part of the national park system. The first fort on this site was built in 1817! It was also a notable stop along the “Trail of Tears” before it was established as Indian Territory. Need a plan for spending the afternoon there? We’d recommend starting at the Visitor’s Center, located in the former barracks and courthouse, and then explore the Parade Ground where soldiers used to do drills. You can finish the trip with the River Loop Trail, a scenic walk along the Poteau and Arkansas Rivers! #NationalParks #NationalHistoricSite #FortSmith #NationalParkService #ArkansasRiver 📸: NationalParkService Image: View of the Parade Ground and Visitor Center at Fort Smith Historic Site