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.”
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.
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