National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Arkansas Post National Memorial 1741 Old Post Road Gillett, AR 72055 S THE ARKANSAS POST GAZETTE. NEWSLETTER OF ARKANSAS POST NATIONAL MEMORIAL, GILLETT, ARKANSAS September/October 2003 S Volume 3, Issue 4 Ghosts of the Past coming October 25

The ninth annual Ghosts of the Past tour will be held Saturday, October 25, 2003.

This year's theme of 'First Impressions,' is intended to explore the descriptions and impressions left behind by various visitors to the Post, with an emphasis on the years following the 1803 purchase of EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA Louisiana by the United States. Take a walk through the history of Arkansas Post and events of nearly 300 years will come to life as living historians and volunteers Fort Smith NHS Volunteer John Northrip instructs a young visitor in the proper use of a sponge-rammer to recreate scenes out of Arkansas Post's load and clean a six-pounder cannon. history. at Arkansas Post NMem. Excellent Weather during the Upcoming programs and events Planned scenes include Henri Joutel’s October 25th, 2003 - Ninth Annual Ghosts March 1st -31st, 2004 - Arkansas arrival at the Post in 1687, Governor James Civil War Weekend of the Past tour Archeology Month Exhibit Miller describing Arkansas Post to his Young and old are invited to join the park for An exhibit of artifacts from the park’s muse- wife, and a visit to the Post in 1900. The beautiful autumn weather on Saturday (32,000) is so overwhelming that often over- this annual, free event. Guided tours will walk um collection relating to this years theme of September 27th brought over one hundred looked is the fact that the majority of the US through time in the old town site of Arkansas Archeology Month, “Containers before visitors to the park for the annual Civil War soldiers who fought here experienced battle- Post where visitors will participate in living Plastic.” Make Reservations Now! weekend event. Programs on Saturday fea- field conditions for the first time. Highlighted history interpretation. All tours are wheel Each one-hour tour will start from the tured a six-pounder artillery piece from Fort in this year’s programs was the Chicago chair accessible. Program takes place rain or March 19th-21st, 2004 - Colonial Arkansas visitor center beginning at 5 p.m. and Smith National Historic Site. Both artillery Mercantile Battery, an artillery unit from shine. Reservations recommended. Encampment departing every 15 minutes with the last and infantry demonstrations were held Illinois; following the battle, Captain Cooley The 2004 colonial encampment will celebrate tour leaving at 8:30 p.m. Each tour is lim- throughout the day, drawing as many as forty of the battery reported, “This is the first January 10th, 2004 - 141st Anniversary of the end of Arkansas’ colonial era and the ited to 25 people; therefore, reservations visitors at a time. engagement of the battery. I take pleasure in the Battle of Arkansas Post. 200th anniversary of the transfer of Arkansas are strongly recommended and may be noticing implicit compliance with orders of A day of programs exploring the Civil War Post to American authorities. made by calling 870-548-2207. This year’s programs focused on the United every man connected with my command, not battle at Arkansas Post. States Army, and their role in the attack on one shrinking from his place of duty notwith- March 27th, 2004 -Civil War Preservation Since this is an outdoor program visitors Fort Hindman at Arkansas Post. The Civil War standing our dangerous position.” February 21st, 2004 - Ranger Program: Trust Park Day are encouraged to wear comfortable weekend in September of 2004 will concen- After the Louisiana Purchase Join park staff in Park Day, an annual hands- walking shoes and warm clothing. All trate on the Confederate stories behind the A new site bulletin featuring a list of units Come discover how the aftermath of the on preservation event sponsored by the Civil tours are wheel chair accessible. In case battle. involved in the battle, and a map of battlefield Louisiana Purchase effected Arkansas Post, War Preservation Trust. Participants will help of rain, the program will move to the positions compiled by former park ranger and the town’s brief transformation as the clean up Civil War exhibit areas, and learn auditorium of the park visitor center. The large number of United States troops Brian McCutchen was also made available to first capital of Arkansas. more about the Battle of Arkansas Post. involved in the Battle of Arkansas Post the public for the first time during the event.

8 THE ARKANSAS POST GAZETTE. American Lotus at Superintendent’s Scribblin’s Arkansas Post The most interesting part of this whole The PoNew York and south to Oklahoma, East Texas Best Little Stories from the Civil War by C. up"….) events without regard to deadlines. and Florida. For further information on Eastern National Brian Kelley. $16.95 Imagine, if you can, a place where time or the Arkansas Post National Memorial A number of common names, many of native The following is a selection of Civil War titles doesn't matter - a place where events are We eat, sleep and live according to the American origin, are used to identify this carried in the bookstore: Civil War Parks: The Story Behind the Bookstore you can visit www.eParks.com or clock. We're at work on time; we serve our dealt with as they happen. I like to believe species. Among them are: American lotus, yel- Scenery by William C. Davis. $8.95 contact the park at (870) 548-2207 time; we even live a lifetime. But is this all that parks are just such places. I treasure low lotus, water-chinquapin, duck acorn, lotus really necessary? Why can't we eat when the occasions when I lose track of time as I lily, yellow Nelumbo, yanquapin, wonkapin, and we are hungry, or sleep when we're tired. watch a breeze rustling the leaves of the pond nuts. In the Arkansas Post area, the com- mon name of yancopin is most frequently used; Volunteer Program Update What defines a lifetime? I'm sure there are trees, or I witness a quarrel between a cou- in fact, a nearby community on the Arkansas National Park Service those who are reading this saying to them- ple of squirrels. A drifting flock of birds U.S. Department of the Interior The fall is a good time to talk about the volunteer There are a number of on-going Natural Resources River is named Yancopin, likely for the presence program at Arkansas Post. The upcoming “Ghosts volunteer projects in the park at present, including selves, "I don't have time for this nonsense." that sail effortlessly over the treetops causes of the American Lotus.. of the Past,” program requires in the vicinity of fifty a research project on ant populations inside the me to envy their seemingly carefree atti- But stick with me for a few more minutes volunteers, serving in all capacities to run the park, and herptofauna study. Studies of birds and and stop and think about this whole crazy tude. This is an escape for me. Fishermen evening’s event smoothly. Ghosts of the Past is the bats within the park are being finalized now and Arkansas Post National Memorial commemorates experience this same kind of peace as they largest annual program held in the park, with should start soon. way we organize our lives. the earliest European settlement in the Lower wait quietly for a bite. These short periods Mississippi valley. First established in 1686, the around 500 visitors attending each year. If we think of time as the passage from one of timelessness are to be cherished. Post was an important staging point for Volunteer opportunities at the park are limitless Mississippi River trade between New France and At press time, volunteers are still needed to portray and anyone interested in assisting the park is experience to the next, what is so magical Unfortunately, as my mind absorbs all this the Gulf of Mexico. Situated along the Arkansas historic individuals for scenes, serve as tour guides, encouraged to contact the volunteer coordinator, peacefulness, it snaps back to the reality River, the small settlement here blossomed into about a certain number of moments being and scene narrators. If you are interested in volun- Park Ranger Eric Leonard for more information. that I have to get to the store before it clos- the first capital of the Arkansas Territory. equal to a measurement of time? We define teering to assist in this program, please contact the period of existence called a second as es as 6:00 PM, or I won't have anything for Arkansas Post National Memorial Park Ranger Eric Leonard by phone (870.548.2207) 1/86,400th of a day, but which day? Clearly, dinner! 1741 Old Post Road or email ([email protected]). Gillett, AR 72055 someone decided to standardize on a par- It’s been nearly ten years since the park’s research ticular period. In the ancient world, a day Phone library has been cataloged(by Park Ranger Dorothy was defined as the cycle of the sun or the 870 548-2207 Cook and volunteers Lynn and Elizabeth Gaines), moon - at one point in history it was Edward E. Wood, Jr. E-mail and in that time a large number of books, journals defined as the period required for the sun to [email protected] and other resources have been added, making the orbit the earth. As we became more sophis- current catalogue almost meaningless. This winter Internet we will again tackle the park library with the inten- ticated scientifically, the definition became http://www.nps.gov/arpo/ stricter, until today, we define the measure tion of updating the catalogue, and are on the The National Park Service cares for the lookout for volunteers interested in helping out. of time as being represented by the rate of special places saved by the American people decay of radio nucleotides (atomic clocks.) so that all may experience our heritage.

Lotus blossoms and lily pads in Post Bend.

2 THE ARKANSAS POST GAZETTE. THE ARKANSAS POST GAZETTE. 7 People of the Post: James Wilkinson National Parks and the Louisiana Purchase Arkansas Post is only one of a large number of Nez Perce National Historical Park The history of Arkansas Post is full of notable National Park sites with connections to the For thousands of years the valleys, prairies, characters that are not only important to that of Louisiana Purchase. During this bicentennial mountains, and plateaus of the inland north- the lower Arkansas and Mississippi River year we have highlighted some of the other west have been home to the Nimiipuu or Nez Valleys, but to both Arkansas and American parks and how they relate to the Louisiana Perce people. Today, the 38 sites of Nez Perce history as a whole. In each issue, it is our desire Purchase. To complete this series, we explore National Historical Park are scattered across to present a brief sketch of an individual who, in the states of Idaho, Oregon, Washington and parks beyond the Purchase territory, to the some way, had a profound association with or Montana and have been designated to com- Pacific Ocean. impact on the historic Post of Arkansas. memorate the stories and history of the Covered wagon and tipi at Whitman Nimiipuu and their interaction with explorers, Mission NHS. Whitman Mission National Historic Site Little remembered today, James Wilkinson is fur traders, missionaries, soldiers, settlers, This site commemorates the courage of probably 19th century America’s greatest gold miners, and farmers who moved through Marcus and Narcissa Whitman, the role the scoundrel. An army officer during the or into the area. There are two Visitor Centers, one at Park Headquarters in Whitmans played in establishing the Oregon Revolutionary War, Wilkinson went on to play Spalding, Idaho and the other at Big Hole Trail, and the challenges encountered when a significant role in the army of the new National Battlefield, Montana. two different cultures meet. In 1836 a small American republic as well as military governor group of Presbyterian missionaries traveled of much of the western frontier, including with the annual fur trapper’s caravan into Louisiana. Complicating his legacy is his par- “Oregon Country.” Differences in culture led ticipation in numerous schemes to create a to growing tensions between the Cayuse peo- separate nation in the American west, and his ple and the Whitmans. A measles outbreak in work as a double agent for Spain. 1847 killed half the local Cayuse. Some of the Cayuse blamed these deaths on Dr. Whitman. Wilkinson was born in Benedict, Maryland, in Dr. and Mrs. Whitman were killed; sixty peo- 1757. He studied medicine at the University of ple were taken hostage. The deaths of the Pennsylvania and opened a medical practice in Whitmans sent a shock wave across the coun- try and prompted Congress to make Oregon a Maryland. During the Revolution, he served U.S. territory. as aide-de-camp to General Horatio Gates Coyote's Fishnet, a legend site along the and carried the news of America's victory at Clearwater River, is one of 38 separate sites that JAMES WILKINSON (1757-1825) by Charles Willson Peale, from life, 1796-1797. Fort Clatsop National Memorial Saratoga to Congress. Wilkinson's indiscreet make up the Nez Perce NHP. Oil on canvas. H 24, W 20 in (H 61.0, W 50.8 cm) The Great Falls of the Missouri River, along the This site commemorates the 1805-06 winter criticism of General Washington's authority Independence NHP - INDE 14166 Lewis & Clark NHT. Fort Vancouver National Historic Site encampment of the 33-member Lewis and forced his reassignment to administrative duty increased when Wilkinson's participation in Peace in the District of Arkansas. His son, Lt. Fort Vancouver was the administrative head- Clark Expedition. A 1955 community-built as clothier general, in which post he served former vice president Aaron Burr's scheme to James B. Wilkinson, was a member of Pike’s Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail quarters and main supply depot for the replica of the explorers' 50'x50' Fort Clatsop is until 1781. Three years later, he moved to the establish an independent western nation was expedition to the west, and returned to the This site celebrates the heroic expedition of Hudson's Bay Company's fur trading opera- the focus of the park. The fort, historic canoe Virginia frontier, where he promoted the ter- revealed. He narrowly escaped indictment United States via the Arkansas River and the Corps of Discovery, led by Captain tions in the immense Columbia Department. landing, and spring are nestled in the coastal ritory's reorganization as the new state of during Burr's treason trial, and was twice Arkansas Post. A nephew, Benjamin Meriwether Lewis and Captain William Clark. Under the leadership of John McLoughlin, the forests and wetlands of the Coast Range as it Kentucky. At that time, he secretly advised the investigated by Congress. Following an Wilkinson, also worked for a short time in the Thirty-three people traveled with them into fort became the center of political, cultural, merges with the Columbia River Estuary. The Spanish government on American plans for unsuccessful court-martial, he returned to his Indian trade at the Post. unknown territory, starting near what is now and commercial activities in the Pacific Salt Works unit commemorates the expedi- western development, receiving a sizable military command in New Orleans. known as Wood River, Illinois in 1804, reach- Northwest. When American immigrants tion's salt-making activities. Salt obtained annual pension and favored trading status for ing the Pacific Ocean in 1805 and returning in arrived in the Oregon Country during the from seawater was essential to the explorers' his cooperation. With the outbreak of renewed war between For Further Reading: 1806. Today's trail follows their route as close- 1830s and 1840s, Fort Vancouver provided winter at Fort Clatsop and their journey back America and England in 1812, Wilkinson was Chandler, David Leon. The Jefferson ly as possible given the changes over the years. them with essential supplies to begin their new to the United States in 1806. Conspiracies: A President’s Role in the In 1791, Wilkinson returned to military duty posted to Canada. His major offensive against Assassination of Meriwether Lewis. Quill, It is approximately 3,700 miles long, beginning settlements. during the Ohio River Territory Indian cam- the British in Montreal failed, and he was dis- 1995. near Wood River, Illinois, and passes through portions of Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, paigns, succeeding General Anthony Wayne. charged from active service. Wilkinson died in Savage, James E. “Spaniards, Scoundrels, and South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana, As military governor of the southwest territo- Mexico on 28 December 1825. Statesmen: General James Wilkinson and the Spanish Conspiracy, 1787 -1790. “ http://histo- Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. The Lewis & ry, Wilkinson participated in the 1803 transfer ry.hanover.edu/hhr/98/hhr98_1.html Clark NHT does not have a formal visitor of the Louisiana Purchase from France to the As governor of the Louisiana Territory imme- center along any portion of the trail. Various United States. He served briefly as governor of diately following the transfer in 1803, National Park Service. “Portraits from the organizations and individuals are responsible the vast new territory. He was publicly criti- Wilkinson’s domain included Arkansas Post, Northern Theater: James Wilkinson.” http://www.cr.nps.gov/museum/exhibits/revw for trail stewardship with oversight provided cized for his heavy-handed administration and he visited the settlement on at least one ar/image_gal/indeimg/wilkinson.html by the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail and reassigned to frontier military duty. Public occasion on his way to and from New Orleans. office. concerns about his abuse of authority Wilkinson appointed the first Justices of the Fort Vancouver circa 1845, from a painting by A reconstruction of the fort is the main feature at Richard Schlecht Fort Clatsop National Memorial.

6 THE ARKANSAS POST GAZETTE. THE ARKANSAS POST GAZETTE. 3 Constitution Week at Soldier’s diary Arkansas Post sheds new light on the For the tenth year, Arkansas Post National Battle of Arkansas Post Memorial hosted a National Constitution Week display, including a scroll for visitors On occasion, the park receives inquiries from to add their names to the Constitution. visitors or researchers regarding ancestors Constitution Week occurs annually every who participated in the Civil War battle here in September 17-23, on the anniversary of January of 1863. Photographs, service records the original signing of the Constitution in and other items kindly provided by these indi- 1789. viduals help to fill in the details of the battle, and often put a real human perspective on the Each year since 1991 the national assault against Fort Hindman. Constitution Center (NCC) has sponsored the "I Signed the Constitution" program Over the summer a descendant of two mem- across the country to encourage bers of the 24th Texas Dismounted Cavalry Americans to affirm their rights and visited the park and provided an number of responsibilities as citizens and to learn materials. She was inspired by her research more about their Constitution. Just as the and her visit to publish a web page on the 24th original signers did, participants can place Texas; her page can be found at: http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/ their signatures on parchment that will be ~barrettbranches/Researchers/Karen%20 put on archival record in the NCC's Visitors examine the Constitution Week display in the visitor Center. Hett/B24cavindex.html Constitution Center.

This year over one hundred visitors partic- Most recently, the park has been given a tran- ipated in Constitution Week and added scription from a diary by Private Dyer their name to the parchment scroll. Hitchcock, Company F, 23rd Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. Private Hitchcock fought As the first capital of Arkansas, Arkansas at the Battle of Chickasaw Bayou outside of Post was the site of this region's transfor- Vicksburg several weeks before the battle at mation from a colonial system of govern- Arkansas Post, and his journal includes details ment, to a free democratic society. of both battles. Private Hitchcock provides a blow- by-blow account of his regiment’s role National Constitution Week provides an The portrait of Don Joseph Bernard Vallière in the battle, and mentions General Stephen excellent opportunity to learn more about d'Hauterive, Commandant of Arkansas Post from the transformation of the Louisiana 1787 to 1790, is a part of the Colonial Arkansas Burbridge prominately. Following the surren- Purchase into American territories. exhibit at the Historic Arkansas Museum in Little der of Confederate Forces, General Burbridge Rock. personally thanked the men of the 23rd, say- HOT OFF THE PRESS ing, “Gentlemen. ....I hope that my conduct A screenshot of the new expanded web site for Arkansas Post. this day has proved to you that I am a union From the page< of the Arkan

4 THE ARKANSAS POST GAZETTE. THE ARKANSAS POST GAZETTE. 5 Constitution Week at Soldier’s diary Arkansas Post sheds new light on the For the tenth year, Arkansas Post National Battle of Arkansas Post Memorial hosted a National Constitution Week display, including a scroll for visitors On occasion, the park receives inquiries from to add their names to the Constitution. visitors or researchers regarding ancestors Constitution Week occurs annually every who participated in the Civil War battle here in September 17-23, on the anniversary of January of 1863. Photographs, service records the original signing of the Constitution in and other items kindly provided by these indi- 1789. viduals help to fill in the details of the battle, and often put a real human perspective on the Each year since 1991 the national assault against Fort Hindman. Constitution Center (NCC) has sponsored the "I Signed the Constitution" program Over the summer a descendant of two mem- across the country to encourage bers of the 24th Texas Dismounted Cavalry Americans to affirm their rights and visited the park and provided an number of responsibilities as citizens and to learn materials. She was inspired by her research more about their Constitution. Just as the and her visit to publish a web page on the 24th original signers did, participants can place Texas; her page can be found at: http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/ their signatures on parchment that will be ~barrettbranches/Researchers/Karen%20 put on archival record in the NCC's Visitors examine the Constitution Week display in the visitor Center. Hett/B24cavindex.html Constitution Center.

This year over one hundred visitors partic- Most recently, the park has been given a tran- ipated in Constitution Week and added scription from a diary by Private Dyer their name to the parchment scroll. Hitchcock, Company F, 23rd Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. Private Hitchcock fought As the first capital of Arkansas, Arkansas at the Battle of Chickasaw Bayou outside of Post was the site of this region's transfor- Vicksburg several weeks before the battle at mation from a colonial system of govern- Arkansas Post, and his journal includes details ment, to a free democratic society. of both battles. Private Hitchcock provides a blow- by-blow account of his regiment’s role National Constitution Week provides an The portrait of Don Joseph Bernard Vallière in the battle, and mentions General Stephen excellent opportunity to learn more about d'Hauterive, Commandant of Arkansas Post from the transformation of the Louisiana 1787 to 1790, is a part of the Colonial Arkansas Burbridge prominately. Following the surren- Purchase into American territories. exhibit at the Historic Arkansas Museum in Little der of Confederate Forces, General Burbridge Rock. personally thanked the men of the 23rd, say- HOT OFF THE PRESS ing, “Gentlemen. ....I hope that my conduct A screenshot of the new expanded web site for Arkansas Post. this day has proved to you that I am a union From the page< of the Arkan

4 THE ARKANSAS POST GAZETTE. THE ARKANSAS POST GAZETTE. 5 People of the Post: James Wilkinson National Parks and the Louisiana Purchase Arkansas Post is only one of a large number of Nez Perce National Historical Park The history of Arkansas Post is full of notable National Park sites with connections to the For thousands of years the valleys, prairies, characters that are not only important to that of Louisiana Purchase. During this bicentennial mountains, and plateaus of the inland north- the lower Arkansas and Mississippi River year we have highlighted some of the other west have been home to the Nimiipuu or Nez Valleys, but to both Arkansas and American parks and how they relate to the Louisiana Perce people. Today, the 38 sites of Nez Perce history as a whole. In each issue, it is our desire Purchase. To complete this series, we explore National Historical Park are scattered across to present a brief sketch of an individual who, in the states of Idaho, Oregon, Washington and parks beyond the Purchase territory, to the some way, had a profound association with or Montana and have been designated to com- Pacific Ocean. impact on the historic Post of Arkansas. memorate the stories and history of the Covered wagon and tipi at Whitman Nimiipuu and their interaction with explorers, Mission NHS. Whitman Mission National Historic Site Little remembered today, James Wilkinson is fur traders, missionaries, soldiers, settlers, This site commemorates the courage of probably 19th century America’s greatest gold miners, and farmers who moved through Marcus and Narcissa Whitman, the role the scoundrel. An army officer during the or into the area. There are two Visitor Centers, one at Park Headquarters in Whitmans played in establishing the Oregon Revolutionary War, Wilkinson went on to play Spalding, Idaho and the other at Big Hole Trail, and the challenges encountered when a significant role in the army of the new National Battlefield, Montana. two different cultures meet. In 1836 a small American republic as well as military governor group of Presbyterian missionaries traveled of much of the western frontier, including with the annual fur trapper’s caravan into Louisiana. Complicating his legacy is his par- “Oregon Country.” Differences in culture led ticipation in numerous schemes to create a to growing tensions between the Cayuse peo- separate nation in the American west, and his ple and the Whitmans. A measles outbreak in work as a double agent for Spain. 1847 killed half the local Cayuse. Some of the Cayuse blamed these deaths on Dr. Whitman. Wilkinson was born in Benedict, Maryland, in Dr. and Mrs. Whitman were killed; sixty peo- 1757. He studied medicine at the University of ple were taken hostage. The deaths of the Pennsylvania and opened a medical practice in Whitmans sent a shock wave across the coun- try and prompted Congress to make Oregon a Maryland. During the Revolution, he served U.S. territory. as aide-de-camp to General Horatio Gates Coyote's Fishnet, a legend site along the and carried the news of America's victory at Clearwater River, is one of 38 separate sites that JAMES WILKINSON (1757-1825) by Charles Willson Peale, from life, 1796-1797. Fort Clatsop National Memorial Saratoga to Congress. Wilkinson's indiscreet make up the Nez Perce NHP. Oil on canvas. H 24, W 20 in (H 61.0, W 50.8 cm) The Great Falls of the Missouri River, along the This site commemorates the 1805-06 winter criticism of General Washington's authority Independence NHP - INDE 14166 Lewis & Clark NHT. Fort Vancouver National Historic Site encampment of the 33-member Lewis and forced his reassignment to administrative duty increased when Wilkinson's participation in Peace in the District of Arkansas. His son, Lt. Fort Vancouver was the administrative head- Clark Expedition. A 1955 community-built as clothier general, in which post he served former vice president Aaron Burr's scheme to James B. Wilkinson, was a member of Pike’s Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail quarters and main supply depot for the replica of the explorers' 50'x50' Fort Clatsop is until 1781. Three years later, he moved to the establish an independent western nation was expedition to the west, and returned to the This site celebrates the heroic expedition of Hudson's Bay Company's fur trading opera- the focus of the park. The fort, historic canoe Virginia frontier, where he promoted the ter- revealed. He narrowly escaped indictment United States via the Arkansas River and the Corps of Discovery, led by Captain tions in the immense Columbia Department. landing, and spring are nestled in the coastal ritory's reorganization as the new state of during Burr's treason trial, and was twice Arkansas Post. A nephew, Benjamin Meriwether Lewis and Captain William Clark. Under the leadership of John McLoughlin, the forests and wetlands of the Coast Range as it Kentucky. At that time, he secretly advised the investigated by Congress. Following an Wilkinson, also worked for a short time in the Thirty-three people traveled with them into fort became the center of political, cultural, merges with the Columbia River Estuary. The Spanish government on American plans for unsuccessful court-martial, he returned to his Indian trade at the Post. unknown territory, starting near what is now and commercial activities in the Pacific Salt Works unit commemorates the expedi- western development, receiving a sizable military command in New Orleans. known as Wood River, Illinois in 1804, reach- Northwest. When American immigrants tion's salt-making activities. Salt obtained annual pension and favored trading status for ing the Pacific Ocean in 1805 and returning in arrived in the Oregon Country during the from seawater was essential to the explorers' his cooperation. With the outbreak of renewed war between For Further Reading: 1806. Today's trail follows their route as close- 1830s and 1840s, Fort Vancouver provided winter at Fort Clatsop and their journey back America and England in 1812, Wilkinson was Chandler, David Leon. The Jefferson ly as possible given the changes over the years. them with essential supplies to begin their new to the United States in 1806. Conspiracies: A President’s Role in the In 1791, Wilkinson returned to military duty posted to Canada. His major offensive against Assassination of Meriwether Lewis. Quill, It is approximately 3,700 miles long, beginning settlements. during the Ohio River Territory Indian cam- the British in Montreal failed, and he was dis- 1995. near Wood River, Illinois, and passes through portions of Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, paigns, succeeding General Anthony Wayne. charged from active service. Wilkinson died in Savage, James E. “Spaniards, Scoundrels, and South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana, As military governor of the southwest territo- Mexico on 28 December 1825. Statesmen: General James Wilkinson and the Spanish Conspiracy, 1787 -1790. “ http://histo- Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. The Lewis & ry, Wilkinson participated in the 1803 transfer ry.hanover.edu/hhr/98/hhr98_1.html Clark NHT does not have a formal visitor of the Louisiana Purchase from France to the As governor of the Louisiana Territory imme- center along any portion of the trail. Various United States. He served briefly as governor of diately following the transfer in 1803, National Park Service. “Portraits from the organizations and individuals are responsible the vast new territory. He was publicly criti- Wilkinson’s domain included Arkansas Post, Northern Theater: James Wilkinson.” http://www.cr.nps.gov/museum/exhibits/revw for trail stewardship with oversight provided cized for his heavy-handed administration and he visited the settlement on at least one ar/image_gal/indeimg/wilkinson.html by the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail and reassigned to frontier military duty. Public occasion on his way to and from New Orleans. office. concerns about his abuse of authority Wilkinson appointed the first Justices of the Fort Vancouver circa 1845, from a painting by A reconstruction of the fort is the main feature at Richard Schlecht Fort Clatsop National Memorial.

6 THE ARKANSAS POST GAZETTE. THE ARKANSAS POST GAZETTE. 3 American Lotus at Superintendent’s Scribblin’s Arkansas Post The most interesting part of this whole The Po

Lotus blossoms and lily pads in Post Bend.

2 THE ARKANSAS POST GAZETTE. THE ARKANSAS POST GAZETTE. 7 National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Arkansas Post National Memorial 1741 Old Post Road Gillett, AR 72055 S THE ARKANSAS POST GAZETTE. NEWSLETTER OF ARKANSAS POST NATIONAL MEMORIAL, GILLETT, ARKANSAS September/October 2003 S Volume 3, Issue 4 Ghosts of the Past coming October 25

The ninth annual Ghosts of the Past tour will be held Saturday, October 25, 2003.

This year's theme of 'First Impressions,' is intended to explore the descriptions and impressions left behind by various visitors to the Post, with an emphasis on the years following the 1803 purchase of EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA Louisiana by the United States. Take a walk through the history of Arkansas Post and events of nearly 300 years will come to life as living historians and volunteers Fort Smith NHS Volunteer John Northrip instructs a young visitor in the proper use of a sponge-rammer to recreate scenes out of Arkansas Post's load and clean a six-pounder cannon. history. at Arkansas Post NMem. Excellent Weather during the Upcoming programs and events Planned scenes include Henri Joutel’s October 25th, 2003 - Ninth Annual Ghosts March 1st -31st, 2004 - Arkansas arrival at the Post in 1687, Governor James Civil War Weekend of the Past tour Archeology Month Exhibit Miller describing Arkansas Post to his Young and old are invited to join the park for An exhibit of artifacts from the park’s muse- wife, and a visit to the Post in 1900. The beautiful autumn weather on Saturday (32,000) is so overwhelming that often over- this annual, free event. Guided tours will walk um collection relating to this years theme of September 27th brought over one hundred looked is the fact that the majority of the US through time in the old town site of Arkansas Archeology Month, “Containers before visitors to the park for the annual Civil War soldiers who fought here experienced battle- Post where visitors will participate in living Plastic.” Make Reservations Now! weekend event. Programs on Saturday fea- field conditions for the first time. Highlighted history interpretation. All tours are wheel Each one-hour tour will start from the tured a six-pounder artillery piece from Fort in this year’s programs was the Chicago chair accessible. Program takes place rain or March 19th-21st, 2004 - Colonial Arkansas visitor center beginning at 5 p.m. and Smith National Historic Site. Both artillery Mercantile Battery, an artillery unit from shine. Reservations recommended. Encampment departing every 15 minutes with the last and infantry demonstrations were held Illinois; following the battle, Captain Cooley The 2004 colonial encampment will celebrate tour leaving at 8:30 p.m. Each tour is lim- throughout the day, drawing as many as forty of the battery reported, “This is the first January 10th, 2004 - 141st Anniversary of the end of Arkansas’ colonial era and the ited to 25 people; therefore, reservations visitors at a time. engagement of the battery. I take pleasure in the Battle of Arkansas Post. 200th anniversary of the transfer of Arkansas are strongly recommended and may be noticing implicit compliance with orders of A day of programs exploring the Civil War Post to American authorities. made by calling 870-548-2207. This year’s programs focused on the United every man connected with my command, not battle at Arkansas Post. States Army, and their role in the attack on one shrinking from his place of duty notwith- March 27th, 2004 -Civil War Preservation Since this is an outdoor program visitors Fort Hindman at Arkansas Post. The Civil War standing our dangerous position.” February 21st, 2004 - Ranger Program: Trust Park Day are encouraged to wear comfortable weekend in September of 2004 will concen- After the Louisiana Purchase Join park staff in Park Day, an annual hands- walking shoes and warm clothing. All trate on the Confederate stories behind the A new site bulletin featuring a list of units Come discover how the aftermath of the on preservation event sponsored by the Civil tours are wheel chair accessible. In case battle. involved in the battle, and a map of battlefield Louisiana Purchase effected Arkansas Post, War Preservation Trust. Participants will help of rain, the program will move to the positions compiled by former park ranger and the town’s brief transformation as the clean up Civil War exhibit areas, and learn auditorium of the park visitor center. The large number of United States troops Brian McCutchen was also made available to first capital of Arkansas. more about the Battle of Arkansas Post. involved in the Battle of Arkansas Post the public for the first time during the event.

8 THE ARKANSAS POST GAZETTE.