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1943 Map of Fort Smith

Name: 1943 Topographic Map of Fort Smith
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1943
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1943

About this map

Camp Chaffee and the sprawling Military Reservation dominate the landscape east of Fort Smith, reflecting the region's mid-century strategic importance. The city itself is a bustling nexus of river and rail commerce where the Arkansas River meets the Poteau River. Four major railroads, including the Kansas City Southern and St Louis and San Francisco, converge here, supporting local industry such as the Smelter and various Strip Mine operations.

Southward, the terrain is defined by the sharp ridges of Backbone Mountain and the Washburn Mountains. Genealogists will find a wealth of local landmarks, from rural congregations at St Marys Church and Fidelity Ch and Cem to smaller settlements like Jenny Lind and Bonanza. The map also preserves the locations of early aviation sites like Alexander Airport and Fort Smith Airport, alongside numerous family burial grounds such as the Old Town Lind Cem.