A new permanent exhibit on the Indian Wars has been recently completed at the Arkansas State University Museum. The ASU Museum has also been creating new military exhibits for more than two years. These newly completed military exhibits are from the Vietnam War, World War II, World War I and Spanish American War.

The Indian Wars exhibit presents the story of the westward expansion of the United States. Historians generally refer to the Indian Wars as the period from 1866 to 1891, though battles did occur earlier.

The Louisiana Purchase, in 1803, more than doubled the size of the United States. Additional territory was gained when Texas became a state in 1845, and after winning Arizona and New Mexico in the war with Mexico. The U.S. government had to reconcile the needs of the emigrants, demands of the railroad and what to do about the Native Americans.

The new exhibit tells the story of the Indian Wars. Artifacts on exhibit include a McClellan saddle, a buffalo coat, an 1826 map showing the westward expansion and more. Some weapons on exhibit are a Tower of London 1862 musket which was probably a trade rifle, a Model 1878 Sharps-Borchardt “Old Reliable” single shot rifle, pistols, arrows and an 1860 Staff and Field Officer’s sword.

The ASU Museum is open Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, from 1 to 5 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, call the museum at (870) 972-2074.

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