There is no shortage of attractions for history buffs in and around Fort Smith. The area has a long and unique history that includes an old bordello, outlaws, and Native Americans. You can learn all about all of this and more by visiting some of the historic sights. Check out these top spots for history buffs near Fort Smith, AR.
The Clayton House
Go back to 1882 during a visit to the Clayton House. This was the year that William Henry Harrison Clayton moved to the area to help with the true grit effort. He wanted to help support the effort to restore peace to the Indian Territory in what is now Oklahoma. The Clayton House features a large collection of restored 19th-century furniture and still has the original coal-burning fireplaces.
Oak Cemetery & Sexton House Museum
The Oak Cemetery on South Greenwood Ave is a National Historic Landmark. The oldest monument in the cemetery dates back to 1842 and marks the grave of Captain Gookin. This cemetery is also the final resting place of up to 28 outlaws hanged by Judge Issac C. Parker. You can see the grave of the founder of Fort Smith along with several mayors and over 100 Confederate soldiers.
The Darby House
General William O Darby created the famous Darby Rangers that fought in Italy during World War II. This group evolved into what is now the Army Rangers. The Darby House is General Darby’s childhood home and is currently a heritage museum with personal memorabilia along with some other World War II memorabilia. This museum also features tributes to Darby and some artifacts from Cisterna, Italy.
Miss Laura’s Visitor Center
One of Fort Smith’s unique historic attractions is Miss Laura’s Visitor Center. This is the last of the seven-row houses that once stood in the Old West red light district, and it is the only former bordello on the National Register of Historic Places. Visit the visitor’s center and take a tour of the restored house to see what was once the most celebrated bordello in the Southwest, and you can even check out the costume room with clothing worn by the women working as prostitutes.
Fort Smith Air Museum
The Fort Smith Air Museum has 64 different displays showcasing military aviators from western Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma. The museum moved to the Fort Smith Regional Airport Terminal in 2002, and the display cases sit across from the American Eagle and Delta ticket counters. The displays chronicle the history of airline service to Fort Smith, the history of the 188th Air National Guard, and the history of the Fort Smith Civil Air Patrol. You can also see exhibits that chronicle the growth of corporate and general aviation.
These are just a few of the historic places you can visit in the Fort Smith area. There are many more that showcase the city’s and region’s unique history, including the barbershop where Elvis Presley received his haircut after joining the army.
Image via Flickr by aquiamigo
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