Uncover History in Western Arkansas
For centuries, Western Arkansas has been rich in living history and cultural experiences. Explore its depth with a tour tailored to your interests. From monuments to museums, here are three ways to see some of Fort Smith’s must-visit attractions along with ideas for exploring other nearby historical destinations.
Fort Smith
Tour Restored Victorian Homes
Ever wonder why it was called the Wild West? Head to Miss Laura’s Visitor Center for a lesson on how the historic row house garnered its name. Laura Zeigler operated the residence as a brothel from 1898 until 1911. At that time, it was purchased by Bertha Gale Dean, who ran the business legally until 1923 and then illegally until her death in 1948. The Baroque Victorian-style mansion became the first former brothel in Arkansas to be added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973 and was lovingly restored in the 1980s. In 1992, it became Miss Laura’s Visitor Center, and plans for a soft reopening as Miss Laura’s Brothel Museum are currently being made for 2024. Stop by for a tour and gather info for your trip.
For a self-guided walking or driving tour, go to the Belle Grove Historic District. Covering 22 square blocks, the tree-lined streets are home to more than 20 Victorian-era styles spanning more than 130 years of architecture. The Clayton House, a Queen Anne/Italianate-style mansion, offers tours of its stately parlors and expansive grounds six days a week, while many of the other homes provide scheduled interior tours upon request and host events throughout the year.
Follow In Their Footsteps
Step back in time at the Fort Smith National Historic Site. From the establishment of the first fort in 1817 through Judge Isaac C. Parker’s jurisdiction over Indian Territory, the 16-acre site preserves almost 80 years of history. It is home to the remains of two frontier forts as well as the Federal Court for the Western District of Arkansas and a reconstructed gallows. Here, you will also find a portion of the Trail of Tears. An easy-to-navigate walkway winds three-quarters of a mile along the Arkansas River with panels that tell the story of the Five Civilized Tribes. The path leads to the confluence of the Arkansas and Poteau rivers, where the Trail of Tears water route began.
For a day-long adventure, hit AR 22 to explore stops along the True Grit Trail, which garners its name from Arkansas author Charles Portis’ epic book and the subsequent movies. Starting in the Arkansas River Valley in Dardanelle and passing through Fort Smith, you can spend a day or weekend reliving the steps of main character Mattie Ross along the Arkansas portion of trail.
Mix the Past with the Present
Spend an afternoon at Chaffee Crossing Historic District, where World War II melds with modern-day attractions. Visit the onsite chapel, see the original barracks and go inside the restored barbershop where Elvis Presley received his infamous military buzz cut after being drafted into the Army in 1958. Next, stroll over to the Chaffee Crossing Food & Artisans Market, held the third Saturday of the month from May through October. Check the historic district’s online calendar for events throughout the year.
Learn more about the city’s settlement at the Fort Smith Museum of History. Housed inside of the historic Atkinson-Williams Warehouse, this museum has been preserving the region’s history for more than 100 years. See exhibits detailing how Fort Smith grew from a military outpost to the town it is today. End your visit with a stop at the old-fashioned soda fountain for a treat. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The U.S. Marshals Museum on the banks of the Arkansas River tells the story of the agency in charge of enforcing federal judicial law by protecting witnesses, supporting civil rights and catching fugitives. Exhibits in the star-shaped facility guide guests from the Marshals’ founding in post-colonial America through its role in the Western Frontier and onward to its current duties, which include guarding against domestic terrorism.
Don’t let the history lesson end in Fort Smith. Keep exploring the rich stories of these Western Arkansas towns.
Altus
Make a stop at the Altus Veterans Memorial in Altus City Park. The black granite monument is inscribed with the names of fallen area soldiers.
Greenwood
Built in 1892, the Sebastian County Jail became known as the Old Jail Museum in 1966 when it began to house county historical records and items. Open on Fridays and Saturdays, May through October, visitors to the jail can still see messages from former prisoners scratched into the stone building.
Ozark
All aboard for a stop at the Ozark Area Depot Museum, housed in the town’s historic railroad depot. The depot sits on the banks of the Arkansas River, so bring a picnic lunch to enjoy outdoors after you browse the memorabilia inside.
Paris
Built in 1903, the Logan County Museum is the site of the state’s last legally sanctioned hanging. The free museum highlights historical artifacts as well as information about the jail itself and the county.
Van Buren
Built in 1838 and linked to the Trail of Tears, the Underground Railroad and the Civil War, the UAFS Drennen-Scott House features furnishings and mementos dating as far back as the 18th century. The UAFS Willhaf House preserves the legacy of a German immigrant family. Both sites are free and open to the public.
Waldron
Don’t miss the Scott County Museum of History for artifacts spanning from early Native American culture to World War II. You’ll find firearms, furniture, stoneware and tools from eras gone by when you tour this local treasure.