Breaking News: Confederates attack and capture Fort Smith

 

story and photos by Joel Rafkin
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Much like the Civil War itself, the action didn’t stop for the weather on Saturday at the Fort Smith National Historic Site.

The sesquicentennial commemoration of the Confederate occupation of the fort featured reenactments, artillery and small arms demonstrations and women’s contributions to the war effort.

"Crowds are pretty good especially given the rain. It was a little slow in the morning but it seemed to pick up. We’ve had a lot of enthusiasm; a lot of the die-hards have come out today and I think we lucked out and it could have been a lot worse," said park ranger Loren McLane.

About 30 volunteers from Oklahoma, northwest Arkansas and the Fort Smith area portrayed history from the Civil War period. The N.W. 15th Arkansas Volunteer Infantry Regiment marched in uniform and also presented firing demonstrations of 1851 Enfield muskets using blank rounds.

An artillery regiment fired both a 6-pound and 12-pound cannons using blank rounds as well. A cavalry group on horseback portrayed the Union’s evacuation from the fort when the Confederate State Militia took over for a two-year period.

Inside the the historic site, Mike Bradley of Uniforms of Antiquity had a display of hats and period clothing and presented a comprehensive history of the evolution of the military headwear.

Barbara Coleman of Fort Smith discussed the role that women played in the war effort. Her displays included shirt kits that women sewed to make uniforms for the soldiers. Coleman stressed the importance women played in the war effort. They not only maintained the home front while the men were fighting but also provided needed war supplies such as bandages and uniforms.

"We are so grateful for our volunteers because without them it couldn’t have happened," said park ranger Pat Schmidt.

The day’s events were free to the public as part of National Parks Week. McLane said the Fort Smith National Historic Site also has an exhibit under construction that will highlight Arkansas’ involvement in the Civil War.