Clayton House: A Victorian Gem in Fort Smith

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Explore Victorian elegance and legal history at Fort Smith's Clayton House, a beautifully restored 1882 mansion and museum.

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Clayton House

Step back in time at the Clayton House, a meticulously restored Victorian mansion in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Once home to William H.H. Clayton, a prominent prosecutor, this museum offers a glimpse into 19th-century life and the history of law and justice in the region.

A brief summary to Clayton House

514 N 6th St, Fort Smith, Arkansas, 72901, US
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Tuesday 12 pm-4 pm
Wednesday 12 pm-4 pm
Thursday 12 pm-4 pm
Friday 12 pm-4 pm
Saturday 12 pm-4 pm
Sunday 1 pm-4 pm

Local tips

Take the guided tour for an in-depth understanding of the house's history and the Clayton family's significance.
Check the Clayton House's Facebook page for any temporary changes to opening hours.
Explore the Belle Grove Historic District, where the Clayton House is located, to see other examples of Victorian architecture.

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Getting There

Walking

The Clayton House is located five blocks north of Garrison Avenue in downtown Fort Smith. From Garrison Avenue, walk north on 6th Street. The Clayton House is on the southeast corner of 6th Street and 'F' Street. This is a straightforward walk on city streets.
Public Transport

Fort Smith Transit provides bus service within the city. Check the Fort Smith Transit website or app for the most up-to-date route information and schedules. From the nearest bus stop, follow the walking directions above to reach the Clayton House. A single bus fare is $1.25.
Taxi/Ride-share

Taxi and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in Fort Smith. Request a ride to 514 North 6th Street, Fort Smith, AR 72901. The typical cost from downtown Fort Smith is approximately $8-$12.

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 for William Henry Harrison Clayton, chief prosecutor in Judge Isaac Parker's court, the house has been carefully restored to its original grandeur. Clayton, known for his work with Judge Parker, managed over 10,000 cases across 74,000 square miles. The house itself is an Italianate-style masterpiece, showcasing the affluence of the time with its elaborate molding, bay windows, and a stunning black walnut staircase. The museum features eight main rooms, a common area, and reconstructed servants' quarters, all filled with period furnishings. Many original features remain, including wide cypress planks and the grand walnut staircase. A visit to the Clayton House offers a glimpse into the lives of the Clayton family and the challenges of bringing law and order to the Indian Territory. The house also hosts weddings, parties, and other events, continuing its legacy as a gathering place.

Explore the best of what Clayton House has to offer

More about Fort Smith

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Step back in time at Fort Smith Historic District, where history, culture, and Southern charm converge in a captivating experience.