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 over the interior of the North American continent.

Over the years, the Post relocated as necessary due to flooding from the Arkansas River, but its position always served of strategic importance for the French, Spanish, American, and Confederate military. Spanish soldiers and British partisans clashed here in the 1783 "Colbert Raid," the only Revolutionary War action in Arkansas.

Arkansas Post became part of the United States following the Louisiana Purchase of 1803. By 1819, the post was a thriving river port and the largest city in the region and selected as the first capital of the Arkansas Territory.

During the Civil War, Confederate troops tried to maintain tactical control of the confluence of the two rivers, and in 1862 they constructed a massive earthen fortification known as Fort Hindman at the Post. In January 1863 Union troops destroyed the fort, ensuring control of the Arkansas River.

Today, the memorial and museum commemorate the multi-layered and complex history of the site. Located on a peninsula bordered by the Arkansas River and two backwaters, the site offers excellent fishing and wildlife watching opportunities.

 Directions 

Plane - Little Rock, 100 miles to the northwest, is serviced by an international airport.

Car - Arkansas Post National Memorial is located in southeastern Arkansas. The entrance to the park is on Arkansas state road 169, nine miles south of Gillett, via U.S. 165 (The Great River Road), and about 17 miles northeast of Dumas, via U.S. 165.

FROM THE NORTH (Little Rock, AR): From Interstate 40 turn onto Interstate 30 south. South of Little Rock, exit onto Interstate 530 and continue to Pine Bluff. When Interstate 530 ends, exit to Highway 65. Follow Highway 65 to Gould, AR and turn left onto State Road 212. When 212 ends, turn left onto Highway 165, and cross over the Arkansas River. Continue on 165 for five miles, and turn right on State Road 169. Follow 169 two miles into the park.

FROM THE SOUTH (Lake Village, AR / Greenville, MS / Monroe, LA): Follow Highway 65 or 165 north to Dumas, AR. In Dumas, turn right at the stoplight onto Highway 165, and continue north for about 18 miles.