The location of Arkansas Post has a history dating back to 1683, as a fur trading post settled by the French. During the Spanish regime, 1765-1800, Arkansas Post was involved in the American Revolution. On April 17, 1783, Captain James Colbert, British, with one hundred Englishmen and several Chickasaw Indians, attacked Arkansas Post at 2:30 A.M. The British captured several people, among them Senora Villiers. Colbert sent her with a flag of truce to ask the Spanish garrison to surrender. Commandant duBriel refused and he and his men sallied forth, causing the British to retreat. Around noon, Colbert and his men were fleeing back down the Arkansas River. The Spanish, being allies of this new struggling nation, defended Fort San Carlos III.

Later in the day, the Quapaw came to the assistance of the garrison. Colbert and his men, were overtaken. The chief forced Colbert to release all but four captives. The English leader later freed them,also.

By treaties signed in 1782 and 1783, the American Revolutionary War came to an end. The battle at Arkansas Post could possibly have been the last battle of the war. The Colbert Incident was only one of two battles fought west of the Mississippi River.

Arkansas Post, today, is a National Memorial. The Arkansas State Society, Daughters of the American Revolution, placed a $15,000 Commemorative tribute there as their 'Gift to the People', during the American Revolution Bicentennial Celebration.