Aaron Shanning
Learn the history of Arkansas at Fort Smith
Fort Smith National Historic Site is a lovely historic park in Fort Smith, Arkansas that houses several forts and historic buildings and gives you an insight into life in the early days of Arkansas. The forts are most famous for their involvement in confrontations with Native Americans in the 19th century and their role in the infamous "Trail of Tears."
At the park, you can see the remains of the two 19th-century forts as well as buildings like the old courthouse and jail. To tell the truth, the remains of the forts aren't in great shape, but it's the stories of what life was like that make the park interesting. Stepping into Isaac "The Hanging Judge" Parker's courtroom or seeing the re-constructed gallows will make your hairs stand on end.
Besides the history, the Fort Smith National Historic Site is also just a pleasant place to spend the days outdoors. There's a path that takes you along the banks of the Arkansas River and has several stops to learn a bit about the Trail of Tears. The park is especially famous for bird-watching and is a great place to spot Bald Eagles.
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