Fort Smith dig set at old commissary

FORT SMITH - A group of National Park Service archaeologists is scheduled to begin a two-day exploratory dig around the old commissary building at the Fort Smith National Historic Site.

The group from the Midwest Archeological Center in Lincoln, Neb., will conduct the dig in preparation for the construction of a sidewalk around the stone building, according to a news release from the historic site. The commissary building was built in 1838-39. It is Fort Smith’s oldest standing structure, the release says.

Park Superintendent Lisa Conard Frost said in the release that she is excited to see what the group’s dig might uncover.

As stewards of the historic site, the park service is responsible under federal law to preserve the historic and cultural assets for future generations, the release states.

The park service will construct a sidewalk leading to a platform area that overlooks the back loading door of the commissary and the Frisco Depot next door, which is owned by the park service.

Plans are to open the central portion of the commissary interior to visitors and provide new interpretive exhibits, the release states.

According to the release, one exhibit will include the story of the Hammersly family, who occupied the building from 1890-96 while working for the federal court under Judge Isaac C. Parker.

The project also will include work on the Officers’ Garden area in front of the commissary to make it wheelchair accessible.

Arkansas, Pages 8 on 07/16/2013

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