Fort Smith attractions
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The Hanging Judge
The Fort Smith National Historic Site contains the former courthouse of Issac Parker (1838-1896), who became known as "The Hanging Judge". Parker served 21 years on the bench, during which he sentenced 160 criminals to death by hanging, of which 79 were actually hanged. Today, the phrase hanging judge has entered American law jargon as a term for a judge who frequently implements the death penalty or seeks swift and firm justice.
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Miss Laura's house of ill-repute and Visitor Center
Miss Laura's Social Club and Visitor Center, 2 N "B" St., +1 479 783-8888, A house of ill-repute from Fort Smith's past, now a visitor center. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is a good starting point for any visit to Fort Smith.
Fort Smith National Historic Site, South of Garrison Ave., near the Arkansas river. Parking and Park entrance near 3rd St. and Garland Ave. This site includes both the original Fort sites and the reconstructed gallows of Hanging Judge Issac Parker.
Trolley Museum, 100 S. 4th, +1 479 783-0205 Take a ride on the trolley past the Judge Parker court and the National Historic Site.
Belle Grove Historic District, 22 square block area north of downtown, On the National Register of Historic Places and has 25 restored historical homes.
Fort Chaffee and Chaffee Crossing, Hwy 22 (east of Fort Smith) Former military fort with a rich history. Was built in 1941 and includes 22,000 acres. Elvis Presley was inducted into the military and started basic training there. The movies "Biloxi Blues," and "A Soldier's Story" were filmed there.
The Most Frequently Asked Travel Questions about Fort Smith
