National Cemetery

When the first Fort Smith was laid out in 1817, land was set aside for a military cemetery. Granted national status in 1867, the 21-acre U.S. National Cemetery contains almost 10,000 graves -- among them Judge Isaac Parker and "Darby's Rangers" founder William O. Darby. The colorful "Avenue of Flags" is displayed each year on patriotic holidays. It is the oldest national cemetery in the country and one of only two National Cemeteries in the South where both Union and Confederate Soldiers are buried, including some side by side. Also visit Oak Cemetery