Judge Parker's Courtroom & National Historic Site

For twenty-one years, Judge Isaac C. Parker held the bench of the U.S. Court for the Western District of Arkansas. Parker sentenced 160 people to death earning the nickname "The Hanging Judge." The courtroom is now part of this National Historic Site located at 301 Parker Ave  Fort Smith, AR 72901. The Park's grounds are open year-round and include the paved trails along the Arkansas River and Belle Point, parking lots, picnic tables, and several excellent outdoor exhibits. The Visitors' Center, gallows, and Commissary building are open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Fees apply in some areas.) Click here for details.

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The Fort Smith National Cemetery

Located in Fort Smith, Arkansas, was established as a national cemetery in 1867. Isaac C. Parker, known as the “Hanging Judge” for the 151 death sentences handed down and General William O. Darby are buried at the cemetery along with more than 13,000 men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. The cemetery is located at 522 S 6th St, Fort Smith, AR. For more info, click here or call 479-783-5345 

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The Clayton House

Just a short ride from Garrison Avenue at 6th and “F” streets, the Clayton House is a historic house museum that takes you back to the 1880s! The Clayton House is Fort Smith’s only Victorian era home authentically restored and open to the public. The Clayton House is located at 514 N. 6th St, Fort Smith, AR.

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Fort Smith Museum of History

The mission of the Fort Smith Museum of History is to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of Fort Smith and the surrounding region. Established in 1910, our exhibits illustrate the contributions of Fort Smith’s citizens to the cultural, political, and economic development of the area. Plus, they have special motorcycle exhibits during the Steel Horse Rally. The museum is located at  320 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith, AR.
Enjoy a treat in the old fashioned soda fountain and experience a 1920s-1940s pharmacy. Ice cream, sundaes, floats and handmade ice cream sodas served in this delicious working exhibit!
Visit the museum gift shop for locally produced pottery, baskets and crafts.  Prints of historic Fort Smith are available, as well as John Bell note cards.  Choose from an excellent selection of books on area history.

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Pendergraft Park

Take a photo of you on your steel horse in front of the statue of U.S. Deputy Bass Reeves on his horse (cast in bronze). This statue in downtown Fort Smith honors Reeves, one of the first African-American Deputy U.S. Marshals west of the Mississippi River. He arrested more than 3,000 felons and shot and killed fourteen outlaws in self-defense. Pendergraft Park is located at 200-300 Garrison Avenue. Fort Smith, AR.. Click here for more info.

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Unexpected Murals

You may have noticed the brightly-colored mural next to the Steel Horse Rally Motorcycle Vendor Village. The look of downtown Fort Smith has changed with the addition of murals and various forms of art that are part of the Unexpected project.

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The Fort Smith Trolley Museum

Take a ride on a piece of history and arrive in style on an electric trolley from the 1920s that has been restored and is still used in downtown Fort Smith, AR. Plus, new routes have been added, that take you right to where the Steel Horse Rally is held in downtown Fort Smith, AR. The Trolley Museum is located at 100 S 4th St, Fort Smith, AR. Click here for more info.