Fort Smith, AR Tourist Attractions
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The town of Fort Smith, situated on a bend in the Arkansas River on the border with Oklahoma, grew out of a fort established in 1817 to protect the westward trek of settlers. During the Californian gold rush it became the haunt of gun-happy bandits. The Belle Grove Historic District has been beautifully restored and visitors can take a trolley tour of the area.
Fort Smith Museum of History
The Fort Smith Museum of History provides informative displays on the history of Fort Smith and the local WWII hero Brig. Gen. William O. Darby. A restored trolley offers tours of the historic district.Exhibits at the Fort Smith Museum of History include an early 20th C pharmacy, soda fountain, and weaving demonstrations on weekends.
Fort Smith National Cemetery
The Fort Smith National Cemetery contains the graves of many of the regions historical figures, including Brig. Gen. William O. Darby, Judge Isaac C. Parker, and Maj. William C. Bradford.The Fort Smith National Cemetery was established in 1867 on the former military reservation of Fort Smith. The cemetery was enclosed by a brick wall in 1874. The graves are marked with marble headstones.
Darby House
Brig. Gen. William O. Darby, commander of the U.S. Army's 1st Ranger Battalion, was raised in this house. Darby House is furnished in period and displays the family's personal items and memorabilia. Two rooms in the Darby House are open to the public - the livingroom and one other room that houses the memorabilia.
Fort Smith National Historic Site
Fort Smith National Historic Site contains the remains of the two frontier forts built on this site. The first one was abandoned in 1824 and the new one was built in 1838. Also on the site is the restored courtroom of Judge Isaac C. Parker, which now houses the visitors center. Some of the original furnishings are on display.
Miss Laura's Visitors Center
This house, owned by Laura Ziegler in the early 1900s, was a famous brothel in the Southwest. Miss Laura's fell into disrepair but was purchased by a benefactor and completely remodeled. This restored former brothel is now on the National Register of Historic Places and the Visitor Center for Fort Smith.
Patent Model Museum (closed)
ATTRACTION PERMANENTLY CLOSED - THE MODELS WERE PURCHASED AND ARE ON DISPLAY IN THE Rothschild Petersen Patent Model Museum IN Cazenovia, NY.The museum, housed in the 1840 Rogers-Tilles House, displays 85 models depicting inventions submitted to the United States Patent Office in the 19th C.
Clayton House
Clayton House is a Classic Revival Victorian home built in the 1850s that was enlarged in the 1880s, after it was purchased by William Henry Harrison Clayton from Judge Isaac C. Parker. It has since been restored and is furnished in period.
Fort Smith Art Center
The Fort Smith Art Center is located in an 1870s Victorian house known as the Vaughn-Schaap house. Works from local and regional artists are showcased. The center also houses the largest collection of Boehm porcelain in Arkansas.
Surroundings
There are several towns and attractions in the Fort Smith surrounding area.
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Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park, Prairie Grove
Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park commemorates an 1862 Civil War battle. The site contains a large monument, a number of 19th C houses, a museum, and a walking trail. Prairie Grove is one of the most intact Civil War battlefields in the US.The battle saw the Confederate Army of the Trans-Mississippi as they clashed with the Union Army of the Frontier resulting in about 2,700 casualties.
Devil's Den State Park, Winslow
This 2,000 acre park in the Ozark Mountains contains the Devil's Den Cave, the Devil's Ice Box, and Twin Falls, and an 8 acre lake. The park offers hiking trails and camping facilities.Devil's Den State Park is noted for the lush hickory forest, the native stone dam and the many caves, crevices and bluffs that can be explored.
St Mary's Catholic Church, Altus
St Mary's Catholic Church is a 1902 Roman Basilical style church known for its original Fridolin Fuchs paintings which decorate the interior. Four large bells are contained in a 120 foot bell tower. Also of note are the stained-glass windows and the altar covered in gold leaf.
Hilary Jones Wildlife Museum & Elk Information Center, Jasper
The Hilary Jones Wildlife Museum in Jasper allows visitors to learn more about elk and other native wildlife through printed materials and video presentations. The Elk Center will provide visitors with the likely spots to view elk - over 500 make their home along the Buffalo River corridor.
Siloam Springs Museum, Siloam Springs
Siloam Springs Museum explores the history of the area with permanent and rotating exhibits highlighting Native American culture, pioneer life, medicine and other areas.
Clarksville
Clarksville provides a good base for those interested in exploring the surrounding area of Johnson County, including the Ozark Mountains and Arkansas River.
