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Fort Smith Museum of History: A Window to the Past

Discover Fort Smith's captivating past through immersive exhibits and artifacts at the city's oldest history museum.

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The Fort Smith Museum of History, housed in the historic Atkinson-Williams Warehouse, chronicles the rich history of Fort Smith and the surrounding region. With over 40,000 artifacts, exhibits range from the city's frontier beginnings to its modern development, offering a glimpse into the lives of those who shaped its identity.

A brief summary to Fort Smith Museum of History

  • Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-4 pm
  • Friday 10 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully explore the museum's extensive collection and exhibits.
  • Check the museum's website for information on temporary exhibitions and special events.
  • Take advantage of the self-guided cell phone audio tour for a more in-depth experience.
  • Kids will enjoy the interactive exhibits and activities designed to engage young learners.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Fort Smith Museum of History is located in downtown Fort Smith at 320 Rogers Avenue. From the Fort Smith National Historic Site, walk east on Garrison Avenue, then turn right onto 4th Street. Walk one block south, then turn left onto Rogers Avenue. The museum will be on your left. Walking time is approximately 10 minutes. No costs are associated with this approach.

  • Public Transport

    Fort Smith Transit offers several fixed routes that serve the downtown area. Check the Fort Smith Transit website for the most up-to-date route information and schedules. The 'Rogers Downtown' (Blue) route has a stop near the museum. A single ride fare is $1.00 [https://www.fortsmithmuseum.org/].

  • Parking

    Free parking is available in front of the Museum and in the parking lot to the west of the building. Metered parking is available along Rogers Avenue and South 4th Street. Metered parking costs $0.25 per hour. There are also two spots designated for disabled parking to the east of the building on South 4th Street.

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Discover more about Fort Smith Museum of History

The Fort Smith Museum of History, located in downtown Fort Smith, Arkansas, stands as the oldest functioning museum in the state. Since its establishment in 1910, initially as the Old Commissary Museum, it has been dedicated to preserving and sharing the history and culture of Fort Smith and the surrounding region. The museum's collection of approximately 40,000 artifacts tells the story of Fort Smith from its early days as a frontier military post in 1817 to its growth into a bustling city. Exhibits include a timeline of the city's development, the William O. Darby Memorial Room honoring the founder of Darby's Rangers, and the Boyd Gallery, which hosts temporary and traveling exhibitions. Visitors can explore exhibits dedicated to Judge Isaac C. Parker, also known as the "Hanging Judge", view furnishings from his courtroom, and learn about the history of broadcast in the region at the "On the Air" exhibit. Other highlights include a collection of 19th-century woodworking tools, an exhibit on African-American history in Fort Smith, and a display of over 1,500 dolls. The museum also features exhibits on Fort Chaffee, highlighting its roles as an infantry training camp, prisoner of war camp, and refugee asylum. The museum is located in the 1907 Atkinson-Williams Warehouse, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

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