5 Must-See Historical Sites in Fort Smith

Fort Smith, Arkansas has the perfect mix of old Western flavor and historic elegance. It was named the #1 Top Western town by True West magazine in 2013 and #2 in the 2017 edition. Take a look at the landmarks from this list and see why Fort Smith, AR is considered a gateway to the "True West." more 1. Fort Smith National Historic Site The Fort Smith National Historic Site is set at the intersection of the Arkansas and Poteau Rivers. The site is comprised of the remains of the first Fort Smith, the Trail of Tears Overlook, the commissary, the Fort Smith gallows, and the site of the second Fort Smith. It is also an important historic site for the U.S. Marshals. The jail, gallows, and courthouse were converted into today's Visitor's Center. Learn about Native American history, military history, the Trail of Tears, and Wild West outlaws at this fascinating historic site. The courtroom was where the famous judge Isaac C. Parker presided over 13,490 cases. 79 of those cases ended in executions, leading to Parker's nickname as the "Hanging Judge." 2. The Clayton House The Clayton House is an elegantly restored house built in 1881 that is currently on the National Registry of Historic Places. Experience Victorian life as it was in 1880s Fort Smith with daily guided tours through the house and beautifully kept grounds. The home was originally furnished and renovated by William Henry Harrison Clayton, the lead prosecutor for Judge Isaac C. Parker. 3. Fort Smith Museum of History As you tour around town in your new Nissan Rogue, a must-see stop on your list is definitely the Fort Smith Museum of History. The museum is located in the 1906 Atkinson-Williamson Warehouse, a local listing on the National Registry of Historic Places. Visitors can enjoy ice cream sundaes, floats, and handmade ice cream sodas at their authentic, old-fashioned soda fountain. You might want to check out the gift shop for locally produced crafts, gifts, and art. The museum offers a rotating schedule of exhibits, so check the website or give them a call to find out more. 4. Fort Chaffee Barbershop Museum The Fort Chaffee Barbershop Museum is better known as the Elvis Barbershop Museum. This is where Elvis Presley gave up his famous pompadour haircut to join the U.S. Army in 1958. The barbershop is preserved just as it was on March 24th, 1958. Fans around the world worried that losing his famous haircut would fizzle his music career. From then on, it was known as "the haircut heard round the world". Now that you have a jam-packed itinerary to consider, it's time to think about how you're going to get there. Come down to Rath Auto Resources Fort Smith, where we will help you see the sights in style.

Situated on the Arkansas-Oklahoma state border, Fort Smith, AR is an important location in the military and frontier history of the US. The Wild West and civil war history is maintained here. Read on to discover the best museums to visit while in town. more 6 of the Best Museums to Visit Near Fort Smith, AR 1. National Historic Site So much has happened here throughout the years, and here you can retrace the footsteps of the past. Belle Point offers a delightful view of the Arkansas and Poteau rivers and a chance to see the foundations of the first Fort Smith. The commissary is the oldest building and has mind-blowing exhibits of the jail cells and a replica of the gallows where many outlaws met their end. 2. Museum of History Proudly preserving and honoring the many contributions of local citizens to the area and the country, this museum is not to be missed. The many vintage vehicles and antique items on display here are kept in immaculate condition, each one with a memorable and fascinating story attached. Learn all about the engrossing exploits of local legends like “Hanging Judge” Parker and General Darby. Grab a sundae or ice cream soda from the old soda fountain in the working 1920s pharmacy exhibit. 3. Regional Art Museum There is a lot to love about this place; the quirky exterior with vibrant flower beds and cool sculptures, the effortless parking, warm friendly staff, and best of all, the free entry. The five galleries here display works from artists like Raee Dunn, Jeff Willard, and Patrick Angus. The exhibits change regularly meaning there is always something new and interesting to enjoy. The “touch gallery” is a novel inclusion to a museum, as you can feel all the exhibits! 4. Trolley Museum Enjoy a history lesson on the move in a refurbished trolley! The enthusiastic and knowledgeable conductor will regale you with facts about the landmarks that you pass on the way round this ¾ mile track. The Fall Tractor show is held here annually, showcasing historical trains, trolleys, tractors, and automobiles. 5. Chaffee Barbershop Museum Situated in Fort Chaffee Joint Manoeuvre Training center, this once active barbershop is the site of one of the most famous haircuts in history. In March 1958, Elvis Presley left his world-famous sideburns on the barbershop floor as he received his first military haircut as part of his induction into the Army. Stuffed full of military memorabilia, this is a must-visit to learn about the history of the Fort and Elvis' time here. 6. Miss Laura's Visitor Center From the original seven houses which comprised the Old West red light district, Miss Laura's is the only one still standing. This is the only former brothel ever to be added to the National Register of Historic Places and it has been restored to its original splendor. The informative and entertaining free tour will take you back in time as you learn about a captivating part of American history. This may well be the most unusual visitor center you ever enter. Come to Rath Auto Resources of Fort Smith and check out our spectacular September specials. Image via Pixabay

Located along the Arkansas – Oklahoma state line, Fort Smith, AR has a population of almost 300,000 in its metropolitan area and is also known by locals as Belle Point. Originally established as a fur trading hub, the city became a frontier military post in the late 1810s. Nowadays, Fort Smith is the second-most populous city in Arkansas and features several excellent local attractions, such as the Fort Smith Trolley Museum and the Fort Smith National Historic Site. more 3 Favorite Local Attractions to Discover in Fort Smith, AR 1. Fort Smith Trolley Museum The Trolley Museum of Fort Smith was established in 1985 just a few feet away from the banks of the Arkansas River in the downtown area. This museum features a series of permanent exhibitions showcasing historic steam locomotives and streetcars, four of which have been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The place is owned and administered by the Fort Smith Streetcar Restoration Association and can be visited all year round from Tuesday to Sunday. When you visit this place, make sure to check out the streetcar line operated by the museum, which was inaugurated in 1991 and has been extended several times. Nowadays, the streetcar goes through the West Garrison Avenue Historic District and other areas in the downtown Fort Smith Area. Once you are back in the museum, make sure to check out the 1919 Frisco 4003, an old steam locomotive donated to the property in 2004. 2. Fort Smith National Historic Site Designated as a National Historic Landmark in the early 1960s, the Fort Smith National Historic Site is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the city. The area, originally part of an Indian Territory, saw its first fort established in 1817 and became the site of the United States District Court for the Western District of Arkansas in 1875. Nowadays, the area receives around 100,000 visitors coming from all over the country each year. The designation of the place as a National Historic Landmark had the objective of protecting the remains of the two military forts within its territory, as well as providing visitors information and a historical background on the military past of the city. Although you can visit this historic site on your own, it is recommended to ask for a local guide to take you through the different sections and explain their history and significance. 3. Garrison Avenue Once you are done checking out the museums of the city, you will probably be hungry and looking for a place to try the local gastronomy. There is no better place for this than Garrison Avenue, which passes through the city center and is lined with the best restaurants and cafés that Fort Smith has to offer. Whether you want to try out some local dishes or have some Mexican or Italian food, Garrison Avenue is the place to be. Are you ready to check out the best tourist spots in town? Before you start your trip, visit us at Rath Auto Resources Fort Smith and check out the extensive inventory of quality used cars we have available for you.