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Clayton House: A Victorian Gem in Fort Smith

Experience Victorian elegance and frontier justice at the Clayton House Museum in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

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Step back in time at the Clayton House, a meticulously restored Victorian home in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Once the residence of William H.H. Clayton, chief prosecutor in Judge Isaac Parker's court, this museum offers a glimpse into 19th-century life and the history of law and justice in the Indian Territory.

A brief summary to Clayton House

Local tips

  • Check the Clayton House's Facebook page for any temporary changes to the tour schedule.
  • Parking is available on the street in front of the house and in the alley behind the grounds.
  • Allow at least an hour for the guided tour to fully appreciate the history and details of the house.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Garrison Avenue in downtown Fort Smith, head north on 6th Street for five blocks. The Clayton House is located on the southeast corner of 6th Street and 'F' Street. The walk is relatively flat and should take about 10-15 minutes. No costs are associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    Fort Smith Transit provides bus service within the city. Several routes run near the Clayton House. Check the Fort Smith Transit website or app for the most up-to-date routes and schedules. A single ride fare is $1.25. From a bus stop, walk to 514 North 6th Street.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Fort Smith. A ride from downtown to the Clayton House will typically cost between $8 and $12, depending on the service and demand. Simply provide the driver with the address: 514 North 6th Street, Fort Smith.

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Discover more about Clayton House

The Clayton House, located in Fort Smith's Belle Grove Historic District, is a captivating journey into the Victorian era. Built in 1882, this Italianate-style mansion was the residence of William Henry Harrison Clayton, a prominent figure as the chief prosecutor in Judge Isaac Parker's court. Clayton, named after the ninth U.S. president, was appointed by President Ulysses S. Grant as district attorney of the Western District of Arkansas and Indian Territory in 1874. Originally built in 1852 as the Sutton Mansion, the house briefly served as a Union hospital during the Civil War. William H.H. Clayton purchased it in 1882, transforming it into the grand Victorian home you see today. The house boasts meticulously preserved details, including a grand walnut staircase, cypress double front doors, and coal-burning fireplaces in each room. A guided tour of the Clayton House provides insight into the lives of the Clayton family and the history of Fort Smith. The home features eight main rooms, a common area, and reconstructed servants' quarters and kitchen. Saved from demolition in 1969, the house opened as a museum in 1977 after extensive restoration. The grounds also feature a Victorian gazebo, herb garden and expansive lawn, making it a popular venue for weddings and events. Visitors can explore the authentically restored rooms, filled with period furnishings, and learn about Clayton's role in bringing law and order to the Wild West. The Clayton House stands as a testament to Fort Smith's rich history and the elegance of Victorian life.

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