The Arkansas Post was founded by Henri de Tonti originally as a trading post in 1686. It was the venue where the French forces conducted the first documented Christian services in what is known as Arkansas today. It became a well known strategic point for various forces like the Spanish, French, US, and Confederates at various points in history.

The Arkansas Post National Memorial was established in 1960 and was declared as a National Historic Landmark that same year. It is now operated by the National Park Service. It started operation as a state park in 1929.

The site of the Arkansas Post National Memorial was also the site of the Battle of Fort Hindman that took place during the Civil War, as well as the first successful settlement of the French in the Lower Mississippi River Valley area.