Discover Fort Smith’s Storied Past

Explore the rich history and heritage of Fort Smith, Arkansas, where every corner of this 200-year-old city echoes stories from the past with tales of frontier life, lawmen, and outlaws.

Start your exploration at the Fort Smith National Historic Site, where you’ll learn about “The Hanging Judge,” Isaac C. Parker, who presided over 79 executions. Be sure to visit the famous courthouse and courtroom, where Parker’s justice was enacted. This popular historic site will take you back in time to a more Wild West style of law and order, where you can see the preserved barracks and basement jail building—now a visitor’s center. 

To get even more background on the fascinating beginnings of our town, visit The Fort Smith Museum of History, where you’ll witness a detailed look at the city's evolution, with showcased artifacts and exhibits that span centuries.

Don't miss the Clayton House, a beautifully restored Italianate-style Victorian home in the Belle Grove Historic District, a reminder of Fort Smith’s early days as a frontier town bordering Native American Indian territory. The Belle Grove Historic District features more than 20 architectural gems from the 19th century over 22 blocks that span 130 years. 

These historic landmarks will both haunt and intrigue you, as you uncover the spirited narrative that shaped Fort Smith. There are so many more one-of-a-kind Fort Smith historical landmarks, you may have to extend your trip to visit them all. It’s no secret that our city is a fascinating destination for history enthusiasts!