Forceful Relocation in Fort Smith
Unique Presentation Identifier:
57
Program Type
Graduate
Faculty Advisor
Dr. Jones
Document Type
Presentation
Location
Face-to-face
Start Date
9-4-2026 9:40 AM
End Date
9-4-2026 10:10 AM
Abstract
Fort Smith has been a vital location for mass relocation following significant events in history, such as the Trail of Tears. The history of indigenous immigration and how that connects to Fort Smith has been studied in an overtly colonial way, pandering to audiences that are meant to support the Western expansion of white settlers. Symbolic features of the city, such as Fort Chafee, the Fort Smith National Historic Site, and the Drennen-Scott House, reinforce the pattern of different groups being forcefully migrated through the city. Indigenous immigrants were among the first major diasporas to immigrate to the city and have had wildly different impacts on both Fort Smith and Van Buren alike. The Indian Removal Act, which pushed thousands of native Americans through Fort Smith, and the impact of figures such as Judge Issac Parker and John Drennen have created vastly different narratives of indigenous history in the region and helps shape the overall bigger picture of immigration within the city. Overall, Indigenous history within Fort Smith is incredibly important in the history of immigration within the United States. By furthering the historiography on this under-reached area, Fort Smith will be able to preserve the rich culture that has been left much unnoticed.
Recommended Citation
Campbell, Kimber D., "Forceful Relocation in Fort Smith" (2026). ATU Scholars Symposium. 19.
https://orc.library.atu.edu/atu_rs/2026/2026/19
Forceful Relocation in Fort Smith
Face-to-face
Fort Smith has been a vital location for mass relocation following significant events in history, such as the Trail of Tears. The history of indigenous immigration and how that connects to Fort Smith has been studied in an overtly colonial way, pandering to audiences that are meant to support the Western expansion of white settlers. Symbolic features of the city, such as Fort Chafee, the Fort Smith National Historic Site, and the Drennen-Scott House, reinforce the pattern of different groups being forcefully migrated through the city. Indigenous immigrants were among the first major diasporas to immigrate to the city and have had wildly different impacts on both Fort Smith and Van Buren alike. The Indian Removal Act, which pushed thousands of native Americans through Fort Smith, and the impact of figures such as Judge Issac Parker and John Drennen have created vastly different narratives of indigenous history in the region and helps shape the overall bigger picture of immigration within the city. Overall, Indigenous history within Fort Smith is incredibly important in the history of immigration within the United States. By furthering the historiography on this under-reached area, Fort Smith will be able to preserve the rich culture that has been left much unnoticed.