Old Fort Smith: Where the West Began
Explore the rugged history of the Wild West at Old Fort Smith, where soldiers, outlaws, and Native Americans shaped the American frontier.
Step back in time at Old Fort Smith, a National Historic Site that preserves the tumultuous history of the early American West. Explore the remains of two 19th-century military forts and the Federal Court for the Western District of Arkansas, where Judge Isaac C. Parker presided over the trials of outlaws in Indian Territory.
A brief summary to Old Fort Smith
- Fort Smith, Arkansas, US
- Click to display
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a fair amount of walking between the different historical sites.
- Visit the Fort Smith Museum of History, located near the National Historic Site, for a broader understanding of the city's past.
- Check the schedule for ranger-led tours and demonstrations to enhance your experience.
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Getting There
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Walking
From the Fort Smith Museum of History, walk south on 4th Street for approximately two blocks. The entrance to the Fort Smith National Historic Site will be on your right. The walk is generally flat and takes about 5-10 minutes.
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Public Transport
Fort Smith Transit provides bus service within the city. Check the RouteShout 2.0 app for real-time bus tracking and route planning. Several routes serve the downtown area, from which you can walk a few blocks to the site. A single ride fare is typically around $1.25.
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Parking
Free parking is available at the main parking lot of the Fort Smith National Historic Site. From Rogers or Garrison Avenue in downtown Fort Smith, turn south on 4th Street, then turn right onto Garland Avenue. The entrance to the parking lot is at the end of the block. Metered parking is available in downtown Fort Smith for a fee. Parking meter rates are $0.50 per hour on Garrison Avenue and $0.25 per 40 minutes on downtown side streets.
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Explore the Fort Smith National Historic Site, a key historical landmark in Arkansas, revealing the rich narrative of America's frontier and law enforcement evolution.
