The Battle of Fort Smith was fought on July 31, 1864, in Sebastian County, Arkansas, during the American Civil War.

In the wake of the failed Camden Expedition, areas of Arkansas lay prone to cavalry raids against Union outposts.

[1] One such raid occurred at Massard Prairie on July 27, 1864 where Confederate forces under Brigadier-General Richard M. Gano won a victory, encouraging further engagement.

[2] Several days later Gano's superior, Brigadier-General Douglas H. Cooper, led a Confederate division several miles north to Fort Smith.

Watie's men made first contact with the 6th Kansas Cavalry of Colonel William R. Judson's brigade.