fort smith arkansas
fort smith arkansas

Fort Smith, AR

Land in Fort Smith

  • About

  • History

  • Location

  • Things to do

  • Demographics

  • Culture

  • Schools

  • FAQ

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Buying land in Fort Smith, AR, is one of the best long-term investment you can make

Many Americans are investing in small cities because of their potential for future growth. Fort Smith has been experiencing significant growth since the beginning of the 21st century. It has a rich history as a fort in the 19th century, and its Wild West heritage has made it a destination for many Americans and investors. The metropolis is experiencing stable economic growth, and the job market is attracting people from all over Arkansas. Land in Fort Smith, AR, is a worthy investment. Projections indicate that the city will continue to experience growth and development while its employment rates increase. Read this piece and learn why you should consider Fort Smith for land investment.

History of Fort Smith

History of Fort Smith

history arkansas

American Indian tribes settled in the region before they encountered the first Europeans. Fort Smith sits on a beautiful landscape, and it has been a good site for settlement because of its proximity to the rivers, which attracted France to claim the land. The French and the American Indians used the waterways for trading, transportation, and supplying other goods to villages and settlements. The United States acquired the land in the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, and in 1806, the Pike Expedition took place. Following the Expedition, the U.S. founded Fort Smith in 1817 as a military post. The site took the name of General Thomas Adams Smith, who commanded the U.S. Army Rifle Regiment. However, the military abandoned the fort in 1824. While the military moved in 1824, a small settlement had begun around the fort. John Rogers, a land speculator and an Army victualer, bought the former government-owned land. Rogers promoted the growth of the new civilian town, resulting in population increase and economic development. Its strategic location compelled the federal government to re-establish a military presence. Fort Smith was a strategic location during the Mexican War, U.S. Civil War, and World War II. The city’s strategic location has attracted the federal government and private corporations, contributing to its growth. Land investment in the region is an excellent idea because the city will continue to experience growth.

history arkansas

Things to do in Fort Smith

Things to do in Fort Smith

things to do in arkansas

Fort Smith rests heavily on its history and Western heritage, which have made it one of the top destinations in Arkansas. Learn about the region’s history by visiting the Fort Smith National Historic Site, where you will uncover more than 80 years of preserved history. You will explore Judge Parker’s courtroom, jails, and reconstructed gallows to make you feel like you have gone back in time.

Don’t forget to walk through an actual battlefield at the Massard Prairie Battlefield Park. The park serves as a memorial for the people who lost their lives during the 1864 conflict. You will walk the ground where the Confederate Army led an attack on the Union soldiers. The site features walking trails, informative monuments, and benches.

Recreational activities are endless, especially during the summer months. Cool off at Parrot Island, a full-size water park featuring a lazy river, an area for children, water slides, and a wave pool. The Downtown Splash has ten dancing fountains, and it is a free park open to the public.

Skaters and bikers of all levels can have fun at the Riverfront Skate & Bike Park, overlooking the Arkansas River. The park features a mountain bike playground, 12,000 square feet of skate obstacles, and pump tracks. Other things you could do include watching plays at Fort Smith Little Theater, riding streetcars, and experiencing outdoor activities. Fort Smith has something for everyone, and you will never be bored.

things to do in arkansas

Land for sale in Fort Smith, AR

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Location

Map showing Fort Smith

Location

Fort Smith is the county seat of Sebastian County, Arkansas. It is 64.6 square miles, and approximately 6.3% of its area is water, which contributed to its growth in the 1800s and 1900s. Fort Smith lies on the Arkansas – Oklahoma state border. Therefore, it is the principal city of the Fort Smith Metropolitan Statistical Area, a five-county area with three counties in Arkansas and two counties in Oklahoma. Fort Smith sits at the confluence of the Arkansas and Poteau rivers, commonly known as Belle Point. It sits on the banks of the Arkansas River, near the junction of Interstates 40 and 540. Moreover, it is five miles from Van Buren City and 47 miles from Arkansas Wine Country. The city is also 63 miles from Fayetteville, the entertainment capital of Northwest Arkansas.

Fort Smith Demographics

Fort Smith Demographics

arkansas demographics

Fort Smith has experienced a stable population increase for the last two decades, and 89,142 people reside in the city. Approximately 1,400 people live in the city per square mile, and more than 11% of the residents are foreign-born. Investors will fit well with the residents, and owning land will allow you to become part of the growing population and community.

Cultural and ethnic diversity are two of the many factors that attract people to Fort Smith. The city is home to more than four ethnic communities, making it a multicultural society. Whites (non-Hispanic) have the largest share, making up 59% of the population. Hispanics account for 19.6% of the residents, while African Americans make up 9% of the population. Other ethnicities include Asians, 6%, American Indians, 1.2%, and people of two or more races.

Fort Smith is one of the most affordable cities, and while the median income of the 36,347 households is $45,233, most people live a comfortable life. Half of the housing units are owner-occupied, and they have a median value of $132,800. Affordability in Fort Smith continues to attract many investors because the land is available and affordable. Don’t miss this opportunity.

arkansas demographics

Arts in Fort Smith

Arts in Fort Smith

colorado arts

Fort Smith is becoming one of the best art destinations in Arkansas, with over 30 murals by top street artists. Since 2014, the city has embraced art festivals, an idea that Steve Clark started, to reignite interest in the historic downtown. Each year, internationally-renowned artists come to the town to participate in The Unexpected, an annual art festival turning Fort Smith into a top-tier art destination.

The festival has revitalized the art scene in Fort Smith, and significant developments, such as the Windgate Art and Design building and Baton galleries, are transforming the city. The building is a state-of-the-art facility that features an evolving class of young and new talent. Fort Smith has embraced creative energy, which has continued to bring artists from the region and nationwide.

The Fort Smith Regional Art Museum is another crucial destination downtown, featuring fine art exhibitions in five galleries. The galleries have traveling exhibitions, a permanent collection, world-class artists, and emerging artists. The museum offers art education and cultural events that are transforming the city. Like many other visitors, you will fit in perfectly in Fort Smith.

Sports and recreation are also part of entertainment in Fort Smith. Fort Smith Public Schools and the University of Arkansas sponsor sports teams that entertain the residents. Additionally, the city is home to independent recreational sports programs and annual tournaments like Fort Smith Marathon and the River Valley Cycling Club. Others include softball, baseball, and golf tournaments.

colorado arts

Schools in Fort Smith

Schools in Fort Smith

The Fort Smith School District operates public schools in the city, and the are 26 schools. The district has an enrollment of over 14,748 students in two high schools, four middle schools, 19 elementary schools, and an alternative learning center. Fort Smith is home to 12 private schools, serving approximately 1,917 students, and most are religiously affiliated. Some of the best private schools include the Immaculate Conception Catholic School, Union Christian Academy, and Harvest Time Academy. Fort Smith is also home to one state-supported institution of higher learning, the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith, formally known as Fort Smith Junior College. A private non-profit college, the Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine is another institution in the city. Fort Smith has some of the best schools in Arkansas, and your children will have the best facilities to receive an adequate education.

arkansas schools

Why Fort Smith?

Why Fort Smith?

why arkansas

Are you looking for a small town featuring the amenities of a big city? Fort Smith is the perfect place for you regardless of your personality, personal preferences, and life situation. The city has a low cost of living, and many visitors will not experience challenges settling in the region. The climate is favorable for most people, and Fort Smith is one of the safest places in Arkansas. The city’s economy is booming, and owning land in Fort Smith, AR, will be an excellent investment. Don’t hesitate to make your dreams come true. Fort Smith is the place to be.

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