Geophysical Surveys of the Perimeter Fortification System at the Site of the Second Fort Smith, Fort Smith National Historic Site, Fort Smith, Arkansas

In a two-week period in September 1999, a team from the Midwest Archeological Center conducted geophysical surveys of the perimeter fortification system at the location of the Second Fort Smith. The work included magnetic surveying, soil resistance surveying, and the application of ground-penetrating radar. Electrical resistance and ground-penetrating radar data revealed several sections of the perimeter wall and portions of three bastions. In addition, a number of other features that may represent historic structures were documented. The urban setting of Fort Smith limits the applicability of magnetic surveying. Although presenting different views of the archeological features, the soil resistance measurements and ground-penetrating radar reflections are both well suited to mapping buried archeological features at Fort Smith National Historic Site.