Before settlers established the city of Fort Smith, Indigenous people inhabited the area. They used the rivers close by to transport food and water to their villages.

French colonists initially claimed the area where they would trade fur with the Indigenous inhabitants. In 1803 the U.S. acquired land from the French along the Arkansas river, leading to the establishment of a military post called Fort Smith in 1817.

Fort Smith got its name from General Thomas Smith, a commander in the U.S. army who ordered the building of the fort but interestingly did not ever visit the place that was his namesake.

The fort was occupied by military personnel from 1817 to 1822, forming a small settlement. However, in 1824 the U.S. troops moved to Fort Gibson, 80 miles to the north, only to return in 1838 when they re-established a military presence once again.

Fort Smith was also used during the Mexican War of 1846, resulting in the U.S. acquiring more territory. Settlers formed Sebastian County in 1851, and in 1858 Fort Smith became an important route across Indian territory.

For one year during the Civil War, the Confederates occupied Fort Smith, but from September 1663, it remained in Union hands until the end of the war. Although military troops abandoned the fort in 1871, the war left many slaves and refugees behind. Together with the already established settlement, their presence caused the town to grow and thrive.

In 1841, just before the start of World War II, the U.S. Army returned to Fort Smith, establishing Fort Chaffee to the east.

Over the next half-century, Fort Smith became a diverse, bustling community, with Judge Isaac Parker bringing law and order to the town from 1875 to 1896. His courthouse is now a historic landmark in modern-day Fort Smith.

Unfortunately, tornadoes and a fire in 1996 destroyed a large part of the historic downtown Fort Smith. Yet, for all its hardships, the city remains with many of its original elements intact. Present-day Fort Smith is a thriving city with a bright future.

Although there is plenty to do all-around, from park picnicking to mountain hiking to artsy walks in the city, the following have come up in our search for the most unique attractions in Fort Smith that are worth visiting.

Fort Smith Trolley Museum: Situated right next door to a Western-themed village, the Trolley Museum offers a ¾ mile old-fashioned railcar tour of downtown Fort Smith on the tracks between Garrison Avenue and the National Cemetery.

West End Bus: Take a walk to the west end of the city, where you will find a vintage bus located just outside the gates of The Park of West End. Authorities arranged to transform the bus into a spectacular art piece by students and faculty of the Unexpected Project in 2017.

Fort Smith Farmers Market: Situated on Garrison Avenue, this open-air market is a festival of the senses. The fresh produce, baked goods, and gourmet coffees are only a smattering of what the market has to offer. As you walk between merchant stalls, you get to enjoy local music and street performances.