We frequently receive requests for information regarding the many family cemeteries that lie within Fort/Camp Chaffee. The myth is that the cemeteries can only be visited on Decoration Day. The fact is that they can be visited virtually any day of the year, but advance arrangements are required. The facility is now known as Fort Chaffee Maneuver Training Center and is used primarily as a training facility by regional National Guard and Army Reserve units as well as active military units from other installations.
Because military training maneuvers may be occurring at any time, it is necessary for potential visitors to contact the Fort and obtain permission to visit. You will be required to sign in, state the nature of your visit and participate in a short briefing. You will also be required to sign out. While that may sound daunting, don't be discouraged. You will find the personnel friendly and helpful. They may even guide you to the cemetery.
Because Decoration Day is a popular day for visits, we are posting last year's schedule here. It is anticipated that the 2011 schedule will remain similar. Please be advised that you must call the phone numbers below to arrange your visit during these times or to discuss sites not included in the document.
Cemetery/ Gate/ Access Route/ Decoration Date
White/Shelby/ 1 / Hwy 22/ First weekend in May
Coleman/ 30/ Hwy 10 Burnsville/ First weekend in May
Center Valley/ 47 / Hwy 22 Bloomer/ First weekend in May
Speegle/ 47/ Hwy 22 Bloomer/ First weekend in May
Lone Star/ 30/ Hwy 10 Burnsville/ Second weekend in May
White/Shelby/ 1/ Hwy 22/ Second weekend in May
Jones/ 26/ Hwy 96/ Second weekend in May
Spencer/ NA/ Rattlesnake Rd/ Second weekend in May
McConnell/ 12/ Hwy 96/ Second weekend in May
Ward/ 47/ Hwy 22 Bloomer/ Third weekend in May
Oak Valley/ NA/ Hwy 96/ Third weekend in May
Pleasant Ridge/ NA/ Rattlesnake Rd/ Third weekend in May
To arrange your visit, please call the Range Control Fire Desk at 1-479-484-2362 or Mike Whitson at 1-479-484-3136.
