Fort Smith, AR

On my way to Oklahoma (and eventually the Yosemite), I made a stop in Fort Smith, Arkansas, and I have to say, it was one of those unexpected gems you stumble upon while traveling. I'm not a history buff, per se, but I do appreciate history. I didn’t really know what to expect from this small town, but Fort Smith ended up being way more interesting than I thought!

First, I decided to check out the Fort Smith Museum of History. If if you're like me and enjoy diving into the history of the places you visit, this museum is a must. It’s packed with all kinds of exhibits that tell the story of Fort Smith, starting with its Wild West days. There’s a lot of fascinating stuff about outlaws, lawmen, and one very famous judge—Judge Isaac Parker, better known as the "Hanging Judge". Things were a little intense back in the day. I didn't take any photos in the Museum out of respect for them.

The museum had old photographs, cool artifacts, and even some hands-on exhibits that really brought the history to life. There was a reconstruction of Judge Parker's courtroom, and I stopped for a while to imagine what it was like if you went through his court! As I walked through, I couldn’t help but imagine what it was like during those early years when Fort Smith was a frontier town, and law and order were still being figured out. It’s crazy to think how much things have changed!

After spending some time at the museum, I headed over to the Fort Smith National Historic Site. This place is where a lot of that Wild West history actually happened. The site includes the remains of two old forts and the courthouse where Judge Parker worked his tough-guy magic. You can also visit the old jail (which is a bit spooky) and see the gallows they used for executions. It’s heavy, for sure, but also really interesting to see how justice worked back then.

The grounds around the site are beautiful (although hotter than seven Hells on the day I visited), with lots of space to walk and take in the views.

What really surprised me about Fort Smith was how much it has to offer in terms of both history and natural beauty. It’s not a huge town, but it has a charm that sneaks up on you. Everyone I met was super friendly, and there’s something about small towns that just makes you want to slow down and enjoy the moment.

I spent a little time just sitting by the Arkansas River, taking it all in. The view was gorgeous, and it made me think about the pioneers who crossed this land so many years ago. I can’t even imagine the challenges they faced, but standing there, I could feel the history all around me.

If you’re ever driving through Arkansas, don’t just pass by Fort Smith—make sure to stop and explore! Between the museum, the historic site, and the river views, it’s a great spot to take a break and soak in some fascinating history.

Next up on my adventure: Oklahoma and then on to Yosemite, where I’ll be trading the Wild West for towering waterfalls and granite cliffs. Can’t wait to share more from the road!