Fort Smith's Frontier Explorers

Judge Isaac C. Parker and the United States Marshal Service put Fort Smith on the map as the town that “tamed” the Wild West – but do you know the story of how Fort Smith created the Wild West?Join Ranger Justin for a program detailing how Fort Smith served as a jumping......More

Judge Isaac C. Parker and the United States Marshal Service put Fort Smith on the map as the town that “tamed” the Wild West – but do you know the story of how Fort Smith created the Wild West?Join Ranger Justin for a program detailing how Fort Smith served as a jumping-off point for Western explorers from 1821 through 1859 to open the Southwest to westward expansion. You’ll learn about the many exploring parties, the sights they saw, dangers they faced, as well as the effects they had upon the landscape, its Indigenous inhabitants, and the America we live in today!

Join Ranger Justin's program inside the Visitor Center at 301 Parker Ave, Fort Smith, AR.

Night Sky Event: Twinkle, Twinkle, Frontier Star

Join us for a night sky program and star party!Learn about explorers who departed from Fort Smith, read their observations of the night sky, and see what stars you can spot!

Meet at the Fort Smith National Historic Site Visitor Center at 301 Parker Ave, Fort Smith, AR.