Arkansas Post National Memorial
NPS statement: 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 for dominance of
the Mississippi River Valley. The site is located about 20 miles northeast of Dumas, via US 165.
The visitor center.
After the post's establishment in 1686, it was abandoned in 1699 due to the glut in beaver pelts and British
competition. In 1721 a French garrison was established as well as a small civilian settlement. In 1763 France
ceded the land to Spain. The Spanish redeveloped fur trade along river routes.
Various models of boats are on display in the visitor center. After the United States bought the area with the
Louisiana Purchase in the early 1800's fur trade gave way to agriculture.
Another boat model
A Sidewheel Steamer model. It worked well in the flat shallow waters of the Arkansas River to
transport cargo and passengers.
The Sternwheeler was an improvement. It had a broader beam to carry more cargo and and the sternwheel improved navigation.
In the early 1800's and before, products were brought to the post to trade with the Indians.
The Quapaw Indians were friendly with the Europeans but the Chickasaw Indians were less peaceful and raided
frequently. The post provided protection; it also has a military history with the Revolutionary War and the
Civil War. In 1783 James Colbert and British partisans attacked the fort and were repelled. This is a model
of Fort Hindman of the Civil War. In early 1863, the Union forces defeated the Confederates.
A reconstruction of a small portion of Fort Hindman near the visitor center.
The Spanish Fort Carlos III was located about 200 yards or so in the water. The ground it was on was washed away
by the river. The river changed course at some time and this is now Post Bend Lake.
In the early 1800's Arkansas Post became a significant settlement and was the first capital of the Arkansas
Territory. The river meant transportation and the settlement did well. When railroads came into existence
the town dwindled, when the river changed course it died. The Arkansas Gazette newspaper began at the Post.
Overlook of Post Bend Lake (foreground) connecting to the Arkansas River.
Wildlife residents on the post.
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