
Arkansas Post National Memorial
Overview
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. Spanish soldiers and British partisans clashed here in the 1783 "Colbert Raid," the only Revolutionary War action in Arkansas. Arkansas Post became part of the United States following the Louisiana Purchase of 1803. By 1819, the post was a thriving river port and the largest city in the region and selected as the first 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 at the Post. In January 1863 Union troops destroyed the fort, 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 scenic nature trails, a visitor center, and trails around the historic town site.
Activities
Boating
Contact park for specific regulations.
Bicycling
Arkansas Post has two miles of trails, both paved and unpaved. Paved trails wind through the historic town site, while others take visitors through the forests around the memorial.
Fishing
Fishing is allowed in all the waters in and around the park; however, an Arkansas fishing license is required for individuals 16 years of age and older.
Hiking
Arkansas Post has two miles of trails, both paved and unpaved. Paved trails wind through the historic town site, while others take visitors through the forests around the memorial.
Historic Sites
Visitors are invited to view the park movie "Arkansas Post: Echoes of the Past" and explore museum exhibits reflecting over three hundred years of human history at Arkansas Post. This twenty minute feature is available upon request daily from 8:00 a.m. till 4:30 p.m. Musket and Cannon demonstrations are regularly scheduled during periods of high visitation.
Picnicking
The scenic nature trails have overlooks that are great for an afternoon picnic.
Water Sports
Enjoy fishing and boating activities.
Directions
Driving
Arkansas Post National Memorial is located in southeastern Arkansas. The entrance to the park is on Arkansas Hwy 169, seven miles south of Gillett, via US Hwy 165 (The Great River Road), and about 20 miles northeast of Dumas, via US 165.
Flying
Little Rock, AR (100 miles to the northwest of the park) and Memphis, TN (140 miles northeast of the park) are serviced by a national and an international airport respectively.
Phone Numbers
Primary
(870) 548-2207Links
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