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Arkansas Post National MemorialTheme(s): Civil War | Westward Expansion | |
Description:
In 1686, Henri de Tonti established a trading post known as "Poste de Arkansea" at the Quapaw village of Osotouy. It was the first semi-permanent French settlement in the lower Mississippi River Valley. The establishment of the Post was the first step in a long struggle between France, Spain, and England over the interior of the North American continent.
Over the years, the Post relocated as necessary due to flooding from the Arkansas River, but its position always served of strategic importance for the French, Spanish, American, and Confederate military. The 1783 "Colbert Incident," the only Revolutionary War action in Arkansas, brought the first organized combat to the region.
Arkansas Post became part of the United States during the Louisiana Purchase of 1803. By 1819, the post was a thriving river port and the largest city in the region and selected the capital of the Arkansas Territory.
During the Civil War, Confederate troops tried to maintain tactical control of the confluence of the two rivers, and in 1862 they constructed a massive earthen fortification known as Fort Hindman. In January 1863 Union troops destroyed the fort and adjacent river port town, ensuring control of the Arkansas River.
Today, the memorial and museum commemorate the multi-layered and complex history of the site. Located on a peninsula bordered by the Arkansas River and two backwaters, the site offers excellent fishing and wildlife watching opportunities.
Designations:
National Memorial (July 6, 1960)
Accessibility:
Most trails are paved and accessible. Two wheelchairs are available upon request.
Getting Around:
A paved two-mile scenic drive connects the picnic area, wayside exhibits, and the visitor center.
Two and a half miles of paved-accessible trail connect the town site, nature trail, and wayside exhibits. An additional unpaved trail follows the edge of the bayou along a bluff bank.
Activites:
Biking | Boating | Educational Programs | Fishing | Hiking | Wildlife Viewing | Bird Watching | Nature Walks | And more.
Facilities:
Visitor_Centers | Picnic Areas | Comfort Stations | Museum Exhibits | Tours & Guided Activities | And more.
Nature: Wildflowers | And more.
Directions to Arkansas Post National Memorial
Plane:
Little Rock, 100 miles northwest, is serviced by an international airport.
Car:
The entrance to the park is on Arkansas state road 169, nine miles south of Gillett, via U.S. 165 (The Great River Road), and about 17 miles northeast of Dumas, via U.S. 165.
Attractions:
Arkansas Post Museum
Phone:870-548-2634
Parkin Archeological Park
Cane Creek
Phone:870-628-4714
Toltec Mounds
Phone:501-961-9442
White River National Wildlife Refuge
Phone:870-946-1468
Nearby Parks:
Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas (120 miles)
Central High School National Historic Site in Arkansas (120 miles)
Vicksburg National Military Park in Mississippi (120 miles)
Buffalo National River in Arkansas (120 miles)
Shiloh National Military Park in Tennessee (120 miles)
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Contact Information for Arkansas Post National Memorial
Arkansas Post National Memorial
1741 Old Post Road
Gillett, AR
72055
Phone: 870-548-2207
Fax: 870-548-2431
Located in Gillett, AR
For more information on Arkansas Post National Memorial
Information on this page provided by the NPS.
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Arkansas Road Maps (AR Maps)
Arkansas Photos