Skip To Main Content

History

Honoring Schools of Our Past

Over the years, many schools have served our community with dedication and care. Though these schools have since closed their doors, their impact remains deeply woven into the fabric of our district’s history.

This section honors the schools that once stood as centers of learning, growth, and community. We remember the educators who inspired, the students who thrived, and the neighborhoods that supported them. Though no longer active, these schools remain a vital part of our shared story and enduring legacy.

Dunbar
Dunbar

Opened: early 1900s

Closed: 1964

Duval
Duval

Opened: 1888

Closed: 1982

Named After: Dr. Elias Rector Duval

Echols
Echols

Opened: 1957

Closed: 1986

Named After: William Echols

Hill
Hill

Opened: 1951

Closed: 1976

Named After: Judge Joseph M. Hill

Mill Creek
Mill Creek

Opened: 1964

Closed: 1972

Named After: The creek that ran nearby the school

Parker
Parker

Opened: 1922

Closed: 2001

Named after: Judge Isaac C. Parker

Peabody
Peabody

Opened: 1800s

Closed: 1967 (now the home of the Adult Education Center)

Named after: George Peabody

Rogers
Rogers

Opened: 1919

Closed: 1983

Named after: Judge John H. Rogers

Major Moments in Time at FSPS

1836 

Arkansas is admitted to the Union. 

Arkansas flag

 

1843

President Tyler approved an act of Congress giving Arkansas the power to sell educational land grants provided that the money be held in reserve and only the interest earned on it be used for public schools. 

Old black and white photo of President Tyler

1844

Arkansas Legislature laid the groundwork for public schools, with townships being granted educational land grants. However, financial constraints limited the scope of education, with schools often relying on tuition fees and donations. At this time, schools could exist only if a fee were charged to each pupil except for those who were underwritten by school funds and classified as "indigent children". Such schools were not "public schools" as we know them today. 

1870

The Civil War and Reconstruction era marked the beginning of efforts to provide education to African American children. in 1870, the first African American school, named after General Oliver Otis Howard, was established with contributions from citizens and federal agencies. 

students and teachers in a one-room school

 

1884

The federal government donates 350 acres of Fort Smith's military reservation for public school use. This donation, coupled with local taxation, marked a turning point in the expansion and improvement of Fort Smith's educational infrastructure. 

1885

Belle Point School was built on some of the old fort land at the corner of South 9th Street and Wheeler Avenue. It was a sturdy eight-room brick building - the first school built after the schools received the federal gift. 

oldfortland

1894-1897

In 1894, plans were made to move the high school into a beautiful new building on the corner of North 14th and Grand (currently where Darby Middle School stands)

In 1897, a tornado devastated parts of downtown Fort Smith and severely damaged the new school. 

In 1898, public schools listed include Fort Smith High School, Belle Grove; DuVal; Belle Point on Wheeler and 9th; Peabody, a frame building on North 15th and "D" streets; Little Rock (Rogers) Avenue School, a two-room frame building (on the grounds of the later Peabody School); Howard Elementary, and Lincoln High School. 

Old photo of Fort Smith High School

1898

Lincoln High School, an all-black school, opens. 

1920s

The district adopts a plan to divide the schools into six elementary, three junior high, and three senior high grades.

Old black and white photo of Lincoln High School

1963

The number of high school seniors grows to 556. Southside High School becomes the second high school in Fort Smith. 

Southside Mavericks Logo

1966

Lincoln High School closes. During its lifespan, more than 6,000 students went through the school and more than 200 teachers taught there. 

Northside grizzly logo

1973

The Arkansas Legislature initiates kindergarten programming into the public school system.