4 Must-See Historic Attractions in Fort Smith, AR

Fort Smith, Arkansas, has a rich history and there are several key historical attractions to visit that honor the city’s past. By visiting these significant sites, you’ll learn more about the people and events that helped shape Fort Smith into what it is today. Here are four of our favorite historic attractions.

1. Fort Smith National Historic Site

Fort Smith, once considered the edge of Indian Territory, built its first fort on December 25, 1817, which today is Fort Smith National Historic Site. This site is managed by the National Park Service. Here, you can learn about the soldier training grounds, take a moment to reflect at the Trail of Tears Overlook, and visit the two standing frontier forts. Judge Isaac C. Parker, often called the “hanging judge,” presided over the Federal Court for the Western District of Arkansas for 21 years.

There are plenty of things to do while visiting the site such as taking a free walking tour, going up to Belle Pointe to see the foundation of the original Fort Smith, picnicking under the shade trees, or walking the trail along the Arkansas River and looking at the various wayside exhibits. You can find Fort Smith National Historic Site at 301 Parker Ave.

2. The Clayton House

Located at 514 North 6th St. in Fort Smith is the elegant and regal Clayton House. The antebellum home was built in 1882 by William Henry Harrison Clayton. Mr. Clayton was a private attorney who reputedly turned the crime-ridden Indian Territory town of Fort Smith into a respectable city with law and order strictly enforced. Mr. Clayton built the home so he and his family could live in splendor.

As you tour the house that Mr. Clayton reformed into a Victorian Gothic Italianate-style masterpiece, you’ll see elegant furnishings, soaring fireplaces, and the gorgeous black walnut staircase. The Clayton House is open for tours and is a beautiful venue for weddings or other special events.

3. Massard Prairie Battlefield Park

Massard Prairie Battlefield Park at 4999 Morgans Way is the site of an important American Civil War battle where on July 27, 1864, Confederate troops staged a surprise attack on Union soldiers. The battle was one of the most successful Confederate attacks in Arkansas. Today, you can view the Parade Ground, the kitchen area, and the camps of the Union soldiers. There’s a walking trail, historical markers, a memorial flagstaff, and several monuments honoring the men who lost their lives during the battle.

4. St. Scholastica Monastery

The beautiful St. Scholastica Monastery is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Originally built in 1923 in a Gothic/Tudor Revival architectural style, the five-story monastery has a stunning appearance. Enter the chapel and view the impressive stained glass windows, walk the labyrinth, or stroll the grounds where you can find many peaceful places to sit and relax while surrounded by nature. The monastery is open for retreats and special events. You can find St. Scholastica Monastery at 1315 S. Albert Pike Ave. in Fort Smith.

Enjoy these must-see historical attractions in Fort Smith, Arkansas, to see what life was like in the 1800s and early 1900s.

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