Explore Fort Smith’s Role in Military History

Fort Smith has a rich military history that continues to captivate visitors. Top places to see for military history include:

Fort Smith National Historic Site, where you’ll find ruins of the original 1817 fort stand, you can walk where Spanish and Civil War soldiers once drilled on the grounds, and get a feel for the region’s role in early frontier defense and law enforcement.
The Fort Chaffee Barbershop & Military Museum gives a glimpse of mid-20th century military life and is also the famed spot where Elvis got his infamous "haircut heard around the world," after being drafted into the U.S. Army.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial and Riverfront Veterans Memorial honors the soldiers who served in a peaceful environment with space for reflection and remembrance.
The boyhood home of local war hero, General William O. Darby, who is credited as the founder of the modern-day Army Rangers.
The Fort Smith National Cemetery and historic Oak Cemetery, the final resting places of true American Heroes, both present and past.