If you love history, military heritage, or the legacy of rock 'n roll, there's a must-visit destination waiting for you in Fort Smith's Chaffee Historic District. The Chaffee Barbershop & Military Museum has officially reopened, inviting visitors to return to one of the most iconic moments in American pop culture: the day Elvis Presley received his Army buzz cut. But that's just the story's beginning—this museum serves as a gateway to Fort Chaffee's rich and fascinating military history and its impact on Fort Smith and beyond.

 

 

Fort Chaffee: A Storied Military Legacy

An old military bus on display at Chaffee Historic District in Fort Smith.

Established in 1941 as Camp Chaffee, this military installation has played a critical role in American history, primarily training three armored divisions that all saw combat in Europe. Originally designed as a training facility for World War II soldiers, Fort Chaffee later served as a key site for training National Guard troops, a refugee resettlement center and even a filming location for Hollywood movies. Over the decades, the base has hosted everyone from soldiers and refugees to rock 'n roll royalty, leaving a lasting imprint on the region's cultural and historical landscape. Today, the U.S. military uses some grounds for regular military training and operations planning. At the same time, just over 7,000 acres were repurposed into usable community spaces where life, work, and entertainment coexist.

 

 

Preserving the Past: The Chaffee Barbershop & Military History Museum

A historic military switchboard console is inlayed into a large wooden frame and includes two operator chairs.

The Chaffee Barbershop and Military Museum, which opened in 2008, is dedicated to preserving the history of the base and its unique place in pop culture. Visitors have long been attracted to this location, eager to see the barbershop where Elvis Presley famously received his Army haircut in March 1958. Over the years, the museum has expanded to include exhibits highlighting Fort Chaffee's role in military training, its time as a resettlement center for refugees from Vietnam and Cuba, and its role in housing survivors of Hurricane Katrina.

 

 

Elvis Presley's Iconic Army Haircut

A child sits in the Elvis chair at the Chaffee Barbershop Museum, Fort Smith, Arkansas.

Perhaps the most famous moment in Fort Chaffee's history occurred March 25, 1958, when Elvis Presley arrived for his U.S. Army induction. The King of Rock' n' Roll traded his signature pompadour for a fresh Army buzz cut in what became one of the most photographed moments of his career. The very barbershop where this took place was preserved and restored, allowing visitors to stand in the exact spot where history was made. Fans of Elvis and pop culture enthusiasts alike will enjoy stepping back into this frozen moment in time, complete with vintage decor and photos documenting his time in Fort Smith. 

 

Not to worry…there are plenty of selfie spots for you, too!

 

 

Now Reopened: What's New at the Museum?

Black leather boots sit behind a flip lighter and worn dog tags, an ammo crate, helmet, and canteen are also curated within this display at the Chaffee Barbershop & Military Museum.

After renovations, the Chaffee Barbershop Museum has officially reopened with new exhibits that provide a greater understanding of historical events! With new exhibits, interactive displays and expanded historical insights, the museum now offers visitors an even more immersive experience. The updated space features:

 

  • A recreated 1950s-style barbershop featuring classic chairs, mirrors and tools when Elvis arrived

  • Elvis Presley memorabilia, including personal military items, photos, and documents from his time at Fort Chaffee

  • Military history exhibits detailing the soldiers who trained at Fort Chaffee over the decades

  • Original tools used to build Fort Chaffee in 1941, offering insight into its rapid construction during WWII

  • Information about German POWs stationed at Chaffee, many of whom did not want to return home because of the fair treatment they received

  • Role of women in the war effort, highlights the contributions of female service members, health care workers and civilians

  • Artillery collection from the post-WWII training period, showcasing weapons and equipment used for soldier instruction.

  • Refugee resettlement history, showcasing how Fort Chaffee played a role in welcoming thousands of newcomers to America

  • Details about Choctaw Code Talkers from WWI, highlighting Indigenous soldiers' crucial role in military communication.

  • Museum shop featuring a curated selection of gifts, books, and memorabilia related to Fort Chaffee history.

 

Museum historians continue collaborating with city code officials to finalize work on a renovated barracks station that will expand and showcase artifacts and more stories related to Chaffee's military history. In the coming months, they expect to open the first floor to visitors so they can fully experience being inside the barracks in the late 1940s among the first officers stationed here. 

 

 

Who Will Enjoy Visiting the Chaffee Barbershop & Military Museum?

This unique museum is perfect for a variety of visitors, including:

 

  • Elvis Presley fans: Discover where "the King" made history and learn about his time in the Army.

  • Veterans and military history enthusiasts: discover Fort Chaffee's significance in American military operations.

  • History enthusiasts: Discover Fort Smith's rich history and ties to national and international events.

  • Families: Introduce children to history in a fun, engaging environment, mostly indoors, making it an easy experience year-round.

  • Cultural explorers: Uncover the narratives of the various groups who traversed Fort Chaffee.

 

 

More to Explore in the Chaffee Historic & Entertainment District

Rows of historical barracks are perfectly aligned in the Chaffee Crossing Historical District in Fort Smith.

Visiting the Chaffee Barbershop and Military History Museum is just the beginning! While in the Chaffee Historic District, take some time to explore other attractions, including:

 

 

 

Plan Your Visit

Don't miss your chance to experience this piece of history! The Chaffee Barbershop Museum & Military History Museum is now open and ready to welcome visitors. Whether you're an Elvis fan, a history lover, or just looking for a unique stop on your trip through Fort Smith, this museum is a must-see destination. Discover the stories that shaped our past—and stand in the very spot where rock 'n roll met the Army!

 

📍 Location: Chaffee Historic District, 7313 Terry St. Bldg. #803, Fort Smith
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