Fort Smith Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
city in and county seat of Sebastian County, Arkansas, United States
About Fort Smith
In 1817 Fort Smith was established as a military fort next to Indian territory in Oklahoma to keep the peace between the native Osage tribes and the recently relocated Cherokee groups. It is at the junction of the Arkansas river and thePoteauriver at a place that early French explorers called Belle Point. The military fort was named after General Thomas A. Smith, the military's district commander. The military later relocated to nearby Fort Chaffee but the civilian settlers remained keeping the name of the fort and establishing a western frontier town that was often the last genteel layover for people from all walks of life before excursions into Indian Oklahoma including soldiers en route to the Mexican War in the Southwest. Later Fort Smith became a popular stop for westward expansionist
Top Attractions in Fort Smith
Explore the best things to see and do in Fort Smith:
- ★4th of July Celebration
- ★Arkansas-Oklahoma State Fair
- ★Bowling World
- ★Fall Levitt Amp Music Series
- ★Fort Smith Comic Con
- ★Fort Smith Fall Festival
- ★Fort Smith International Film Festival
- ★Fort Smith Marathon
Where to Eat in Fort Smith
Must-try local food and restaurants:
- 🍴Calico Country
- 🍴Diamond Head 2
- 🍴Doe's Steak House
- 🍴Gusano's Pizzeria
- 🍴Jerry Neel's BBQ
- 🍴Taliano's
Where to Stay in Fort Smith
- 🏨Baymont Inn & Suites
- 🏨Beland Manor Bed and Breakfast
- 🏨Best Western Aspen Hotel
- 🏨Hampton Inn
- 🏨Holiday Inn Express
- 🏨Residence Inn Fort Smith
Fort Smith Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 15 sections including: