The next time you’re in the vicinity of Fort Smith, get yourself ready for some wonderful historical experiences. The district is full of opportunities that will peak a variety of interests. Here are a few places you should check out.
Belle Grove Historic District
The Belle Drove Historic District is aptly named, as it is truly a beautiful area. The lovely radius of town includes a 22-square block within North Fifth Street, North H Street, North Eighth Street and North C Street. Upon visiting, you will find impressive architecture dating back 130 years. Various styles reveal a diversity of time periods, and many of the homes have been attractively restored.
Specific houses are, in fact, available for touring. Consider stopping at The Clayton House, the McKibben-Bonneville House, the Fort Smith Art Center or The Darby House.
A & M Railroad Excursions
If you are mystified by transport systems and the era of the railroad, you won’t want to miss out on the A & M Railroad Excursions. With this service, you can actually travel in the original railroad, through the Arkansas River Valley and Boston and Ozark Mountains. The line is one of the rare ones that remain in use for commercial purposes. The passenger coaches are nicely refurbished, yet maintain their original style. There are three different journeys you can choose from, and you may choose between coach tickets, club tickets, caboose tickets, or first class tickets.
Fort Smith National Historic Site
For an intensive experience where you can learn all about the various facets of Fort Smith’s history, check out the Fort Smith National Historic Site. There many areas worth seeing at this wonderful historical preservation location. Some examples include Belle Point, which was created in 1817, and where Arkansas and Poteau River meets. There is also the “Trail of Tears,” an exhibit that speaks of five indigenous tribes who had been removed from the region by force. There is also the Commissary building, which is among the oldest remaining in Fort Smith.
Visit the Historic Barracks, Courthouse and Jail Building, where the Visitor’s Center is located. At the Center, you can learn details of events and tours, too. The Fort Smith National Historic Site is open from Monday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is located at 301 Parker Avenue. The entrance fee is $6.
The Elvis Barbershop Museum
In 1958, Elvis had his sideburns cut in order to serve in the US army. As such, the location of his hair-cutting is memorialized, well loved and remembered. At this historic site, you can re-visit that day when Elvis was at the shop, while also commemorating the importance of the locale of Fort Chaffee and all the region’s contributions to history. The barbershop is located at 7020 Taylor Avenue and is open from Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Entrance to the museum is free.
On your next adventure to Fort Smith, Arkansas, get ready for some wonderful sites. From stunning architecture to military and indigenous history, there is truly something for everyone to learn.
Image via Flickr by FortSmithNPS
Connect with us
