Fort Smith

© Roy Digital Design

Fort Smith is at the Oklahoma line where the Arkansas and Poteau rivers join. It is the rail, trade and industrial center of a farm and livestock area. Its manufactures include construction materials, food and beverages, textiles, furniture and hardware.

During the gold rush of 1848, the military post of Fort Smith that was founded in the region in 1817, became an important supply point. During the 1870's, most of the lawless area was cleaned up by 'Hanging Judge' Isaac Parker, but Bordello Row and other reminders are still celebrated today. Judge Parker's court can still be seen at the Old Fort Museum, which is part of the Fort Smith National Historic Site. A national Civil War cemetery and an annual rodeo also draw many visitors. In 1969, Fort Smith city was linked with the Gulf of Mexico by the Arkansas River project. East of Fort Smith, a dam was built and a large lake was created.

There are several hotels and restaurants in Fort Smith. The city is in the northwest of Arkansas, 210 km northwest from Little Rock and 1590 km southwest from Washington D.C.