Fort Smith is a national historic site located in Arkansas. It was established on Christmas Day in 1817 and has a long and fascinating history. In this area, you can explore the Fort Smith Museum of History or the trolley museum to learn more about how it came to be and what purpose it served, or you can walk around the grounds on your own.
National Historic Site
At the Fort Smith National Historic Site, you can learn quite a bit about the purpose of the fort and how it came to be. If you don’t have a lot of time to spend at the site, make sure to take a walk through the building, which houses Judge Parker’s famous courtroom and two jails. It’s also worth walking along the Trail of Tears and viewing the exhibits on the U.S. Deputy Marshals within the museum. Fort Smith also had its own gallows, which are still there.
If you have a few hours to explore, go on a tour led by park rangers, who know a lot about the history and can give insights that you wouldn’t otherwise get on a personal tour. For those visiting with kids, stop by the ranger station to get a fun and educational workbook. By completing activities within the workbook, children can earn their Junior Ranger badges. Other things to see include the Commissary Storehouse, which is the oldest building in Fort Smith, the Trail of Tears overlook, and the first Fort Smith site at Belle Point.
Fort Smith Museum of History
At the Fort Smith Museum of History, visitors will learn more about the culture and history of the surrounding region. It opened its doors more than a century ago in 1910, showcasing exhibits contributed by local residents that offer a glimpse into the economic, political, and cultural development of Fort Smith. The museum sits in the old Atkinson-Williams Warehouse, a building dating back to 1906 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Be sure to enjoy an old-fashioned treat at the soda fountain within the museum or pick up some locally produced baskets, pottery, and art pieces at the museum gift shop.
Trolley Museum
The Fort Smith Streetcar Restoration Association operates the Fort Smith Trolley Museum as a way to preserve the electric-powered streetcars and other transportation technology that existed during this period of history. When you visit this spot, you can learn about the early history of trolleys and their impact on transportation in Fort Smith and across the nation.
Exhibits include historic streetcars, trolleys, and other types of transportation equipment, giving you a glimpse into how far we’ve come in the ways we get around. The collection includes four of the original 58 Fort Smith streetcars: numbers 10, 205, 221, and 224.
Whether you’re a local or planning a visit to the area, make sure to carve out some time to enjoy everything Fort Smith has to offer. It’s a historic and fascinating place, making it a must-see for many history buffs.
Photo by Brook-Ward| Licensed under cc by 2.0
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