Arkansas Post or just Poste de Arkansas is an abandoned former French trading post established in 1686. The post was mostly used by the local Europeans who resided nearby. The post which served as the local government offices, military post, and trade headquarters was abandoned and disowned.

History of Arkansas post

The Arkansas post was built in 1686 near the Mississippi river by the French in order to serve as a trading post and a defense fort from his enemies. Though only one location is currently marked as the memorial ground for the post, the Arkansas post changed sites three other times before its final location. The first site was changed after the fort was attacked by Chickasaw. Between the years 1686 to 1778, the post changed location, and every time this happened new attacks from their enemies ensued. The final and last location for the fort was prime since it served as a trading fort as well as a defense post. This was evident when the British and Chickasaw attacked the fort in 1783. Without even fighting, the French and their allies Spanish and Quapaw were able to falsely intimidate the attackers to retreat.

The decline of the post

Arkansas post was later transferred to the government of the USA when the two European countries left the fort for better conquering opportunities in other parts of the country. Throughout the 20th century, the post was used as a military installation and later on as a trading center. The trading center was closed by the end of the century.  Seven years later, the Americans neglected the post as they expanded westwards. The area around the post grew in population when a French businessman established a cotton plantation in the area. By the year 1821, Arkansas changed capital and the population reduced even more. Residents fled the small community at a rapid rate. The Arkansas post that was used as a settlement ground for the community, was neglected once more. 

Arkansas Post today

After years of neglect, the post rose to popularity again when it was used by the confederate forces as their headquarters. The post was destroyed when the Union army took the war to the confederate army in 1863. By the time the war was over, concrete ruins were all that was left of the former French and Spanish post. The site where the post was situated was declared a state park in 1929. William Frank (congressman) campaigned for the Arkansas post, now Arkansas state park, to be a national memorial, and this was done in 1960. A museum has been constructed within the premises which offer a rich history of the place. It is open to the general public.