Fort Smith Commissary

Supply wagon and Commissary

NPS/Pat Schmidt

Quick Facts

Location:

North end Parade Ground

Amenities

3 listed

Accessible Sites, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Wheelchair Accessible

Built in 1838, the Commissary is the oldest building in Fort Smith. Throughout its nearly two centuries of history, its appearance has changed. Additions like porches were added and taken away. Although originally constructed as a place to store food and supplies, this building has been adapted for many different uses over time.

Take a close look at the exterior stone walls. Scars left on these stones offer clues to the building's changes over time.

Bastion to Commissary

In 1845, Quartermaster General Thomas Jessup inspected Fort Smith and ordered the fort to be converted into a supply depot. Bastion No.1 became the location of the Commissary. With its new mission, Fort Smith became one of the largest and busiest supply posts in the southwest.