Burial at Fort Smith National Cemetery: A family guide

History of Fort Smith National Cemetery

Fort Smith National Cemetery is located in Sebastian County, Arkansas. Fort Smith has played an important role in the expansion and development of the United States. By the early 19th century more and more white settlers were moving into the territory acquired through the Louisiana Purchase of 1805. Tensions with the local Native Americans increased as both groups competed for space and resources. To ensure the safety of the settlers, the U.S. Army established a string of military posts along the western frontier. Fort Smith was the first and westernmost of these.

On Christmas Day 1817, General William Bradford and his men arrived on the point of land just below the confluence of the Poteau and Arkansas rivers, where they began constructing a stockade fort sufficient for one company. Within a few years of its establishment, additional troops were garrisoned to maintain peace and prevent hostilities between the Cherokee and the Osage. However, 50 men (about 25 percent of the command) died in 1823, with forty-four of the deaths occurring during the summer months. Despite its strategic importance the Army closed the fort in 1824. Doors, windows, and all other movable equipment at Fort Smith were transported to Fort Gibson for use in the construction of that post.

The first cemetery at Fort Smith was most likely established during this period. A newspaper article published in 1841 suggests there was a dilapidated burial ground outside of the stockade containing three graves marked by marble slabs. This cemetery may have been established in 1819 at the time of, or just prior to, the death of the Fort Smith surgeon Thomas Russell.

In 1838 the Army permanently returned to Fort Smith with the arrival of Company F, 7th U.S. Infantry. A new garrison was constructed, including an officers' log house where General Zachary Taylor lived from 1841 until 1845. In addition, the original post cemetery was rehabilitated and enlarged. On April 23, 1861, at the onset of the Civil War, Fort Smith was evacuated and Confederate forces occupied the garrison. By May of that year, the Arkansas legislature had ceded the fort to the Confederate States of America. During the War Between the States more than 400 Confederate soldiers were buried at Fort Smith, including Generals James B. McIntosh and Alexander E. Steen.

Notable veterans buried at Fort Smith National Cemetery

The National Cemetery Administration documents the following veterans of note buried at Fort Smith National Cemetery, listed by section and site as recorded in the cemetery's official register.

• Judge Isaac C. Parker - A veteran of the civil war and two-time congressman, was appointed by President Grant as United States District Judge of the western district of Arkansas. Judge Parker had criminal jurisdiction over the frontier territory and Indian Territory. Judge Parker served the court for 21 years and became known as the "Hanging Judge". Judge Parker died November 17, 1896.
• Brigadier General William O. Darby - A veteran of World War II known for his many exploits and establishment of the rangers. General Darby, a West Point graduate, patterned his rangers after the British Commandos. Only five days after Germany's surrender in 1945, Colonel Darby died in Italy's Poe Valley. His courageous actions were recognized by the U.S. Army, which posthumously raised him to the rank of brigadier general.

Eligibility for burial at Fort Smith National Cemetery

Planning ahead for a Veteran's or loved-one's final resting place can eliminate unnecessary delays and reduce stress on a family at a difficult time.

The Department of Veterans Affairs covers the grave plot, opening and closing of the grave, perpetual care, a government-furnished headstone or marker, and a U.S. burial flag at no cost to eligible families.

Visiting hours

Visitation Hours: Open daily 7:30 a.m. to sunset. Office Hours: Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Closed all federal holidays. VA will continue its practice of honoring special requests for weekend burials for religious purposes, in cases of service members killed in action and on at least one day of any three-day Federal holiday weekend at all open VA national cemeteries.

How to schedule a burial at Fort Smith National Cemetery

1. The funeral home or family contacts the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 1-800-535-1117 (24/7 for active funeral arrangements).
2. Provide the veteran's full name, date of birth, social security number, dates of service, branch, and date of death.
3. Fax or email the DD-214 to the cemetery's interment office for verification.
4. Once eligibility is confirmed (typically 30–60 minutes for complete documentation), the cemetery assigns a date, time, and committal shelter.
5. The funeral home transports the deceased to Fort Smith National Cemetery at the assigned time. The cemetery handles opening, closing, and perpetual care from that point.

Where Fort Smith National Cemetery sits in the Arkansas cemetery system

Fort Smith National Cemetery is one of the veteran cemeteries operating in Arkansas. The cemetery is currently accepting new in-ground and columbarium interments. Families should verify status before planning.

For families considering alternatives, the nearest veteran cemeteries appear in our cemetery sidebar. If Fort Smith National Cemetery is fully reserved, those alternatives are typically the next options.