There’s nothing quite like immersing yourself in history, and with over 200 years of fascinating stories to draw from, Fort Smith is the perfect place to soak up a little culture. Whether you’re visiting one of the historical centers or watching a reenactment of soldiers, lawmen, outlaws, or Native Americans, it’s easy and fun to learn about Fort Smith’s fascinating history.
From taking a tour of the visitor center at Miss Laura’s, formerly a genuine Old West bordello, to acquainting yourself with the military history of the area at the museum, or retracing the footsteps of Fort Smith’s notorious Deputy U.S. Marshal Bass Reeves as he hunts down outlaws and brings justice to Fort Smith, there’s plenty to choose from.
Fort Smith is one of the best areas in Arkansas to not only learn about history but live it. Here are the top 7 must-see historical stops in the area.
Miss Laura’s Visitor Center
At Miss Laura’s Social Club you will find a glimpse of the history of Fort Smith’s downtown area, right on the banks of the Arkansas River.
Around the turn of the century, this area featured seven ‘row houses’ which functioned as the Fort Smith red light district. Of those seven brothels, only Miss Laura’s remains. A former bordello with the distinction of being the only house of ill repute to make it onto the National Register of Historic Places, Laura’s has been restored to all its original splendor, and it’s well worth a visit.
Fort Smith Air Museum
With sixty-four displays showcasing and honoring the military aviators who pioneered air travel in Fort Smith and the surrounding areas of eastern Oklahoma and western Arkansas, the Fort Smith Air Museum is a great place to visit. Recently relocated to the new Regional Airport Terminal, it’s an inspiring little piece of history.
The Clayton House
Step back in time to the year 1882 at Clayton House. It was the year William Henry Harrison Clayton and his family moved into a grand antebellum home, which he transformed into a masterpiece of Italianate style double the original size. The house is located in the Belle Grove Historic District. With period furnishing and coal burning fires, it’s a cozy glimpse of life at the end of the 19th century.
Temple Live
Temple Live is a Masonic Temple of over 53,000 square feet, opened in 1929. A four-story building of Bedford Stone, it’s an unusual, beautifully restored architectural feature of Fort Smith that’s worth a look.
Zachary Taylor Chimney
The private home of President Zachary Taylor can be found on the grounds of what is now St. Anne’s Academy and the Immaculate Conception Church. Taylor was the commander of Fort Smith’s military garrison during the 1940s, and his former home is an interesting glimpse of the life of one of the Presidents of the United States.
With so much history in the area Fort Smith is steeped in culture and there’s plenty to learn and see.
Photo by p_a_h | Licensed under cc BY 2.0
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