Fort Smith Trolley Museum: A Ride Through Time

The Fort Smith Trolley Museum offers a captivating journey into the past, celebrating the golden age of streetcars and railroads in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Established in 1979 by the Fort Smith Streetcar Restoration Association and opened in 1985, the museum preserves and showcases the city's transit history. The museum features a collection of meticulously restored streetcars and locomotives, some of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Highlights include the opportunity to ride a vintage streetcar along a three-quarters-mile heritage line that passes four NRHP-listed sites, including the Fort Smith National Historic Site and the Fort Smith National Cemetery. Visitors can explore the museum's exhibits, which delve into the history of streetcars and railroads in the region. Knowledgeable volunteers provide guided tours, sharing insights into the significance of these vehicles in Fort Smith's development. The museum also hosts special events and educational programs throughout the year. In addition to the trolleys, the museum is home to a rail collection, including a Frisco steam engine and tender. The museum's car barn is located on the former site of the Midland Valley Railroad yard, and its towering front doors were salvaged from the old Frisco roundhouse. The museum's collection includes several historic vehicles, such as the Fort Smith Light and Traction Company Car No. 224, a Birney-type streetcar built in 1926, and the Hot Springs Street Railway Car #50. Other highlights include the Frisco 4003 steam locomotive, the Maumelle Ordnance Works Locomotive 1, and the United States Air Force Locomotive No. 1246.