Fort Smith lies on the Arkansas side of the Arkansas/Oklahoma border. Located at the junction of the Arkansas and Porteau Rivers, it is the state's second most populous city. Fort Smith was founded as a military settlement and was home to Judge Issiah Parker, “the Hanging Judge.” Deemed a National Historic Site, his courthouse is known as the place where "more men were put to death by the U.S. Government... than in any other place in American history.” Another of the city's less traditional historical sites includes the only registered historic brothel.
Another local historical exhibit includes a walk alongside the Arkansas River with wayside exhibits on the Trail of Tears which was led through this area. Additional activities in Fort Smith include riding an authentic electric trolley and visiting the Fort Smith Trolley Museum. Other museums include the Fort Smith Museum of Natural History, the Clayton House, the Darby House and the Fort Smith Art Center.
The diversity of heritage shows itself in the food of Fort Smith; there is everything from bar-b-que restaurants to Asian, Italian and Mexican cuisine. The Fort Smith Celtic Festival is another chance to take in some culture in the form of Irish music and dancing. Also among local favorite events are the Fort Smith Riverfront Blues Festival and the Old Fort Days Rodeo. The Fort Smith Air Show, which pays tribute to aviation and the armed forces is one of the largest air shows in the country.
