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Fort Smith is the second-largest city in Arkansas, home to about 90,000 people on the Arkansas River at the Oklahoma border. It began in 1817 as a frontier fort on the edge of Indian Territory, and later became famous as the court of 'Hanging Judge' Isaac Parker and the base of the deputy U.S. marshals who rode into the territory to bring outlaws to justice.
The Fort Smith National Historic Site preserves the remains of both forts, Judge Parker's courtroom and the old jail, with riverside trails along the Arkansas River and exhibits on the Trail of Tears. The U.S. Marshals Museum, opened on the riverfront in 2023, tells the story of America's oldest federal law enforcement agency.
Downtown and the nearby historic districts are lined with grand homes and buildings from the city's frontier boom, including the Belle Grove district, the Fishback and Fitzgerald neighborhoods and the Masonic Temple. The Fort Smith Museum of History, Miss Laura's Visitor Center in a restored former bordello, and the riverfront park round out a visit.
Fort Smith National Historic Site preserves the remains of two frontier forts and the courtroom of Judge Isaac Parker, known as the hanging judge. Exhibits cover the Trail of Tears and federal law in Indian Territory, and a replica gallows stands outside. Plan about two hours; rangers give talks in season.
Belle Grove Historic District is a 22-block neighborhood of Victorian, Queen Anne and Colonial Revival homes near downtown Fort Smith. Many houses date from the late 1800s. Walk the quiet streets with a self-guided tour map and look for the Clayton House, which is open to the public.
Clayton House is a restored 1880s home in the Belle Grove district, once owned by William Henry Harrison Clayton, the federal prosecutor in Judge Parker's court. Guided tours show period furniture and tell the story of Victorian life in Fort Smith. Check hours ahead, since it is open limited days.
Chaffee Barbershop Museum at Fort Chaffee preserves the building where Elvis Presley got his famous Army haircut in 1958. Displays cover the base's history, from World War II training to refugee resettlement. It is free and small, so pair it with a meal or walk around the Chaffee Crossing area.
The U.S. Marshals Museum on the Arkansas River tells the story of the nation's oldest federal law enforcement agency, from frontier deputies to modern cases. Interactive galleries cover famous marshals and the Hall of Honor. Allow two hours, and visit the riverside grounds after your tour.
Fort Smith Museum of History occupies a historic warehouse near the national historic site and covers the city from frontier days to the 20th century. Displays include a working old-fashioned soda fountain, firefighting gear and local artifacts. Get a soda at the fountain during your visit.
The Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, known as RAM, shows changing exhibitions of regional and national art along with a permanent collection. It also runs classes and family days. Admission is usually free, and the museum is on Rogers Avenue close to downtown, making it easy to fit into a day.
Fort Smith Trolley Museum preserves streetcars and railroad equipment and runs a restored trolley on a short line through downtown toward the historic site. The museum building holds rail artifacts and models. Rides run on set days, so check the schedule and bring cash for the small fare.
Miss Laura's Visitor Center is a restored 1890s riverfront building that once operated as a bordello and is now the city's visitor center. Staff give short tours of the Victorian rooms and share local tips and maps. It is free and a good first stop before exploring downtown and the riverfront.
Fort Smith Masonic Temple is a large Art Deco building from 1929 downtown, now used as a concert and event venue known as Temple Live. Its exterior and grand auditorium are notable examples of the style. See it from the street or catch a show to view the interior, as it is not open for tours.
Sebastian County Courthouse and Fort Smith City Hall share a 1937 Art Deco building downtown, decorated with stone reliefs and listed on the National Register. It is still a working government building. Look at the facade details from the street, and step into the lobby on weekdays if it is open.
St. Scholastica Monastery is home to a community of Benedictine sisters on Fort Smith's south side, with a chapel, quiet grounds and a retreat center. Visitors may join prayer services or walk the peaceful campus. Dress modestly and call ahead if you want to attend a service or join a retreat.
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Log in to add photosPhoto: Brandonrush, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Brandonrush, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Brandonrush, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Valis55, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Valis55, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Valis55, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Valis55, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Valis55, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Valis55, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Valis55, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Valis55, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: National Trails Office (US National Park Service), Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: National Trails Office (US National Park Service), Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: National Trails Office (US National Park Service), Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: National Trails Office (US National Park Service), Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
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Photo: National Trails Office (US National Park Service), Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: National Trails Office (US National Park Service), Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: JERRYE & ROY KLOTZ MD, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: National Trails Office (US National Park Service), Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: National Trails Office (US National Park Service), Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: National Trails Office (US National Park Service), Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: National Trails Office (US National Park Service), Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: National Trails Office (US National Park Service), Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Adam Bartlett from Little Rock, Arkansas, United States, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
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Photo: Valis55, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Valis55, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Valis55, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Valis55, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Valis55, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Valis55, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Brandonrush, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
