Fort Smith - Smithland, Kentucky - Civil War Discovery Trail Sites on Waymarking.com

Fort Smith was an important supply depot and staging area for Grant's campaigns against Forts Hentry and Donelson, as well as Vicksburg. There were two sets of fortifications built at Fort Smith. The forts consisted of two star-shaped, earthen forts built on the hills overlooking the rivers and the surrounding area. The larger of the two forts, Fort Wright, which housed a 32-pound and 64-pound cannon, sat on the site of the senior citizens' center and rest home. The small fort, Fort Star, which still remains and housed a 32-pounder and is located on Cemetery Hill behind Livingston Central High School.

Fort Smith was garrisoned throughout the war by various regiments, including the 13th US Colored Heavy Artillery. Several of these soldiers were buried on Cemetery Hill adjacent to the fort. Fort Smith is one of the finest examples of earthen fortifications in Kentucky.

Type of site: Other Military Site Address: Cemetery Hill Road Smithland, KY USA 42081 Phone Number: 270-928-2446 Admission Charged: No Charge Website: [Web Link] Driving Directions: From I-24 take exit 31 onto Route 453. Travel approximately 15 miles to Smithland. To chamber office, at caution light in Smithland, turn left; proceed 3 blocks; turn right onto Wilson Avenue. Smithland City Hall is located at 310 Wilson Avenue. To Fort Smith, at the caution light in Smithland, turn left; proceed 1 block and turn left; cross intersection of Wilson Avenue and proceed up steep hill into Smithland Cemetery. Follow the road to the water tower. Travel on foot on the trail to the right (west) of the tower approximately 50 feet; the fort is on the right of the trail.

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Date Logged Log User Rating   03/09/2012 trailhound1 visited it