Fort Smithis thethird-most populous cityinArkansas,United States, and one of the twocounty seatsofSebastian County.[4]As of the2020 census,the population was 89,142.[5]It is the principal city of theFort Smith, Arkansas–Oklahoma Metropolitan Statistical Area,a region of 298,592 residents that encompasses the Arkansas counties ofCrawford,Franklin,and Sebastian, and theOklahomacounties ofLeFloreandSequoyah.
Fort Smith, Arkansas | |
|---|---|
 Downtown Fort Smith | |
 Flag  Seal  | |
 Location of Fort Smith in Sebastian County, Arkansas. | |
  Fort Smith  Fort Smith | |
| Coordinates:35°22′47″N94°22′55″W/ 35.37972°N 94.38194°W | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Arkansas |
| County | Sebastian |
| Founded | 1817 |
| Incorporated | December 24, 1842 |
| Government | |
| •Mayor | George B. McGill(D) |
| Area | |
•City | 68.23 sq mi (176.72 km2) |
| • Land | 63.99 sq mi (165.74 km2) |
| • Water | 4.24 sq mi (10.98 km2) |
| Elevation | 463 ft (141 m) |
| Population (2020) | |
•City | 89,142 |
| • Density | 1,392.97/sq mi (537.83/km2) |
| •Urban | 122,947 (US:257th) |
| •Metro | 279,974 (US:165th) |
| GDP | |
| • Metro | $12.024 billion (2022) |
| Time zone | UTC−6(CST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−5(CDT) |
| ZIP codes | 72901-72906, 72908, 72913-72914, 72916-72919 |
| Area code | 479 |
| FIPS code | 05-24550 |
| GNISfeature ID | 2403647[2] |
| Interstate Highways | I-40,I-49,I-540 |
| Other major highways | US 64,US 71,US 271 |
| Website | fortsmithar |
Fort Smith lies on the Arkansas–Oklahoma state border, situated at the confluence of theArkansasandPoteaurivers, also known asBelle Point.Fort Smith was established as a western frontier military post in 1817, when it was also a center of fur trading. The city developed there. It became well known as a base for migrants' settling of the "Wild West"and for its law enforcement heritage, as it was the hub for white law enforcement of the adjacent Indian Territory.
The city government is led by MayorGeorge McGill(D), who in 2018 was elected as the city's mayor (the first African American in its history),[6]and a city Board of Directors composed of three members elected at-large and four members elected by ward.
History
editThe United States acquired the territory and large areas west of the Mississippi River from France in theLouisiana Purchase(1803). Soon after, the government sent thePike Expedition(1806) to explore the areas along theArkansas River.The U.S. founded Fort Smith in 1817 as a military post. It was named after GeneralThomas Adams Smith(1781–1844), who commanded theUnited States Army Rifle Regimentin 1817, headquartered near St. Louis. General Smith had ordered Army topographical engineer Stephen H. Long (1784–1864) to find a suitable site on theArkansas Riverfor a fort. General Smith never visited the town or the forts that bore his name.
A stockade was built and occupied from 1817 until 1822 by a small troop of regulars commanded by MajorWilliam Bradford.A small settlement began forming around the fort, but the Army abandoned the first Fort Smith in 1824 and moved 80 miles further west toFort Gibson.John Rogers, an Army sutler and land speculator, bought up former government-owned lands at this site and promoted growth of the new civilian town of Fort Smith.
Due to the strategic location of this site, the federal government re-established a military presence at Fort Smith during theIndian removalera of the 1830s, primarily of tribes from the American Southeast to west of the Mississippi River inIndian Territory,which is present-day Oklahoma.
In 1838, the Army moved back into the old military post near Belle Point, and expanded the base. They used troops to forcibly relocate theChoctawandCherokee,from their ancestral homelands in the Southeast; they were the last of the tribes to leave. Remnants of theFive Civilized Tribesremained in the southeast, and some of their descendants have reorganized and been federally recognized. The Cherokee called the forced migration theTrail of Tears,as some of their people and the people who were enslaved died from starvation, hypothermia, exhaustion and many illnesses along the way. The army enforced the removal of these tribes to the reserved Indian Territory, where the federal government set aside land that was less fertile while imposing detentes between distinct nations. Many displaced people stopped walking and settled in Fort Smith and adjoiningVan Burenon the other side of the river.
The U.S. Army also used Fort Smith as a base during theMexican–American War(1846-1848). As a result, the U.S. acquired large territories in the Southwest, and later annexed the Republic of Texas, which had been independent from 1836-1846.
Sebastian County was formed in 1851, separated from Crawford County north of the Arkansas River. In 1858, Fort Smith was designated as a Division Center of theButterfield Overland Mail's7th Division route across Indian Territoryfrom Fort Smith toTexasand as a junction with the mail route fromMemphis, Tennessee,an important port on the east side of the Mississippi River.
For roughly a year of theAmerican Civil War,the fort was occupied by theConfederate States Army.Union troops under GeneralFrederick Steeletook control of Fort Smith onSeptember 1, 1863.A smallfight occurred thereon July 31, 1864, but theUnion Armymaintained command in the area until the war ended in 1865. As a result, many refugee slaves, orphans,Southern Unionists,and others came here to escape theguerrilla warfareraging in Arkansas, Missouri, and theborder states.The slaves were freed under theEmancipation Proclamationof January 1863 by PresidentAbraham Lincoln.Federal troops abandoned the post of Fort Smith for the last time in 1871. The town continued to thrive despite the absence of federal troops.
Two of Fort Smith's most notable historic figures were JudgeIsaac C. Parkerand William Henry Harrison Clayton, also known asW. H. H. Clayton.In 1874, William Clayton was appointed United States Attorney for theWestern District of Arkansasby PresidentUlysses S. Grant.Fort Smith was a bustling community full of brothels, saloons, and outlaws, just across the river from Indian Territory. William Clayton realized a strong judge would be necessary to bring law and order to the region. He knew that Parker was a strong judge. But Parker had been appointed Chief Justice ofUtah Territoryand confirmed by the U.S. Senate. With the help of President Grant and U.S. SenatorPowell Clayton,former governor of Arkansas, William Clayton was able to gain the appointment of Parker in the Fort Smith district. At that time, the Fort Smith district not only held the responsibility for law in Western Arkansas, but also the Indian Territory.
Judge Parker served as U.S. District Judge 1875–1896. He was nicknamed the "Hanging Judge": in his first term after assuming his post, he tried 18 people for murder, convicted 15 of them, and sentenced eight of those to die. Six of these men were later hanged on the same day. Over the course of his career in Fort Smith, Parker sentenced 160 people to death. Of those, 79 were executed on the gallows. His courthouse is now marked as aNational Historic Site,where "more men were put to death by the U.S. Government... than in any other place in American history."[7]Parker was assisted in his law enforcement efforts by famed African-American marshalBass Reeves.
William Clayton served as U.S. Attorney under four different presidents and later was appointed as Chief Justice of Indian Territory. He was instrumental in achieving statehood for Oklahoma in 1907, after Native American claims were extinguished by distribution of communal lands under theDawes Actand the breakup of tribal governments. Together with Territorial GovernorFrank Frantz,Clayton took a copy of the Oklahoma Constitution to PresidentTheodore Rooseveltafter the state was admitted to the Union in 1907. Governor Frantz and Judge Clayton both lost their territorial positions when Oklahoma became a state; a new governor was elected and the Roosevelt administration appointed a new judge.
During investment in the military prior to World War II, the Army returned to Fort Smith in 1941. It established theFort ChaffeeMilitary Reservation east of the city.
On April 21, 1996, a large tornado, part of theApril 1996 tornado outbreak sequence,destroyed and heavily damaged much of historic downtown Fort Smith around the Garrison Avenue Bridge.[8]The storm tracked from easternPittsburg County, Oklahomainto Fort Smith and Van Buren, Arkansas.[9]The tornado left four people dead in western Arkansas. Days later, the damaged Eads Brothers Furniture building in downtown Fort Smith was destroyed by one of the largest fires in the city's history.
Geography
editAccording to theUnited States Census Bureau,the city has a total area of 64.6 square miles (167 km2), of which 61.7 square miles (160 km2) is land and 3.9 square miles (10 km2) (6.3%) is water.
Climate
editFort Smith has ahumid subtropical climatewith generally mild winters and hot, humid summers. The monthly mean temperature ranges from 40.4 °F (4.7 °C) in January to 83.1 °F (28.4 °C) in July; on average, the high stays at or below freezing on 3.8 days, reaches 90 °F (32 °C) on 77.8 days, and 100 °F (38 °C) on 11.1 days annually.[10]The average first and last occurrences for freezing temperatures are November 6 and March 25, respectively.[11]Extreme temperatures range from −15 °F (−26 °C) onFebruary 12, 1899to 115 °F (46 °C) on August 3, 2011.[11]Fort Smith is situated near an area known asTornado Alleyin the central United States. The city has been struck by three majortornadoes,which occurred in the years of1898,1927 and1996.
| Climate data forFort Smith Regional Airport,Arkansas (1991–2020 normals,[a]extremes 1882–present) | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °F (°C) | 81 (27) |
88 (31) |
94 (34) |
96 (36) |
99 (37) |
106 (41) |
111 (44) |
115 (46) |
109 (43) |
96 (36) |
87 (31) |
82 (28) |
115 (46) |
| Mean maximum °F (°C) | 72.7 (22.6) |
75.9 (24.4) |
83.5 (28.6) |
87.6 (30.9) |
91.7 (33.2) |
95.9 (35.5) |
101.6 (38.7) |
101.5 (38.6) |
96.5 (35.8) |
89.6 (32.0) |
79.8 (26.6) |
72.7 (22.6) |
103.3 (39.6) |
| Mean daily maximum °F (°C) | 51.3 (10.7) |
56.6 (13.7) |
65.6 (18.7) |
74.5 (23.6) |
81.4 (27.4) |
89.4 (31.9) |
94.1 (34.5) |
93.7 (34.3) |
86.5 (30.3) |
75.9 (24.4) |
63.4 (17.4) |
53.3 (11.8) |
73.8 (23.2) |
| Daily mean °F (°C) | 40.4 (4.7) |
45.0 (7.2) |
53.5 (11.9) |
62.1 (16.7) |
70.4 (21.3) |
78.8 (26.0) |
83.1 (28.4) |
82.3 (27.9) |
74.8 (23.8) |
63.5 (17.5) |
51.7 (10.9) |
42.8 (6.0) |
62.4 (16.9) |
| Mean daily minimum °F (°C) | 29.6 (−1.3) |
33.4 (0.8) |
41.5 (5.3) |
49.8 (9.9) |
59.5 (15.3) |
68.3 (20.2) |
72.1 (22.3) |
70.9 (21.6) |
63.1 (17.3) |
51.0 (10.6) |
40.0 (4.4) |
32.3 (0.2) |
51.0 (10.6) |
| Mean minimum °F (°C) | 14.8 (−9.6) |
19.2 (−7.1) |
24.2 (−4.3) |
34.2 (1.2) |
44.7 (7.1) |
58.7 (14.8) |
64.9 (18.3) |
62.7 (17.1) |
49.3 (9.6) |
35.1 (1.7) |
24.2 (−4.3) |
18.5 (−7.5) |
11.7 (−11.3) |
| Record low °F (°C) | −11 (−24) |
−15 (−26) |
7 (−14) |
22 (−6) |
34 (1) |
47 (8) |
50 (10) |
45 (7) |
33 (1) |
22 (−6) |
8 (−13) |
−5 (−21) |
−15 (−26) |
| Averageprecipitationinches (mm) | 2.91 (74) |
2.69 (68) |
3.90 (99) |
4.87 (124) |
5.63 (143) |
4.56 (116) |
3.39 (86) |
3.60 (91) |
4.04 (103) |
4.42 (112) |
3.85 (98) |
3.48 (88) |
47.34 (1,202) |
| Average snowfall inches (cm) | 1.4 (3.6) |
0.6 (1.5) |
0.3 (0.76) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.6 (1.5) |
2.9 (7.4) |
| Average precipitation days(≥ 0.01 in) | 7.5 | 7.6 | 10.1 | 9.2 | 10.9 | 9.0 | 7.0 | 7.2 | 7.1 | 8.1 | 7.4 | 7.9 | 99.0 |
| Average snowy days(≥ 0.1 in) | 0.6 | 0.5 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.3 | 1.7 |
| Averagerelative humidity(%) | 69.5 | 67.6 | 63.9 | 63.8 | 70.7 | 70.9 | 68.9 | 68.6 | 71.8 | 69.4 | 70.3 | 71.2 | 68.9 |
| Averagedew point°F (°C) | 26.1 (−3.3) |
30.0 (−1.1) |
37.8 (3.2) |
47.1 (8.4) |
57.7 (14.3) |
65.5 (18.6) |
68.5 (20.3) |
66.9 (19.4) |
61.5 (16.4) |
49.5 (9.7) |
39.4 (4.1) |
30.0 (−1.1) |
48.3 (9.1) |
| Mean monthlysunshine hours | 173.5 | 172.5 | 215.2 | 236.1 | 274.8 | 304.0 | 327.6 | 294.5 | 233.1 | 220.7 | 162.5 | 156.3 | 2,770.8 |
| Percentpossible sunshine | 55 | 56 | 58 | 60 | 63 | 70 | 74 | 71 | 63 | 63 | 52 | 51 | 62 |
| Source: NOAA (relative humidity, dew point, and sun 1961–1990)[11][10][12] | |||||||||||||
Demographics
edit| Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1840 | 144 | — | |
| 1850 | 964 | 569.4% | |
| 1860 | 1,532 | 58.9% | |
| 1870 | 2,227 | 45.4% | |
| 1880 | 3,099 | 39.2% | |
| 1890 | 11,311 | 265.0% | |
| 1900 | 11,587 | 2.4% | |
| 1910 | 23,975 | 106.9% | |
| 1920 | 28,870 | 20.4% | |
| 1930 | 31,429 | 8.9% | |
| 1940 | 36,584 | 16.4% | |
| 1950 | 47,942 | 31.0% | |
| 1960 | 52,991 | 10.5% | |
| 1970 | 62,802 | 18.5% | |
| 1980 | 71,626 | 14.1% | |
| 1990 | 72,798 | 1.6% | |
| 2000 | 80,268 | 10.3% | |
| 2010 | 86,209 | 7.4% | |
| 2020 | 89,142 | 3.4% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census[13] | |||
2020 census
edit| Race / Ethnicity(NH = Non-Hispanic) | Pop 2000[14] | Pop 2010[15] | Pop 2020[16] | % 2000 | % 2010 | % 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whitealone (NH) | 59,436 | 55,654 | 50,728 | 74.05% | 64.56% | 56.91% |
| Black or African Americanalone (NH) | 6,874 | 7,621 | 7,602 | 8.56% | 8.84% | 8.53% |
| Native AmericanorAlaska Nativealone (NH) | 1,254 | 1,408 | 1,555 | 1.56% | 1.63% | 1.74% |
| Asianalone (NH) | 3,661 | 4,524 | 5,103 | 4.56% | 5.25% | 5.72% |
| Pacific Islanderalone (NH) | 29 | 59 | 65 | 0.04% | 0.07% | 0.07% |
| Some Other Racealone (NH) | 48 | 66 | 227 | 0.06% | 0.08% | 0.25% |
| Mixed Race or Multi-Racial(NH) | 1,918 | 2,687 | 6,396 | 2.39% | 3.12% | 7.18% |
| Hispanic or Latino(any race) | 7,048 | 14,190 | 17,466 | 8.78% | 16.46% | 19.59% |
| Total | 80,268 | 86,209 | 89,142 | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% |
As of the2020 United States census,there were 89,142 people, 36,210 households, and 22,349 families residing in the city.
2010 census
editAs of the2010 census,[17]there were 86,209 people, 34,352 households, and 21,367 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,391.2 inhabitants per square mile (537.1/km2). There were 37,899 housing units at an average density of 612.3 per square mile (236.4/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 69.3%White,9.0%Black or African American,1.8%Native American,5.3%Asian(2.2% Vietnamese, 1.7% Laotian, 0.3% Asian Indian, 0.2% Filipino, 0.1% Korean, 0.1% Chinese, 0.1% Hmong, 0.1% Pakistani), 0.1%Pacific Islander,10.3% from other races, and 4.2% fromtwo or more races.16.5% of the population wereHispanic or Latinoof any race (11.6% Mexican, 2.2% Salvadoran, 0.4% Guatemalan, 0.3% Puerto Rican, 0.2% Honduran, 0.1% Cuban, 0.1% Peruvian, 0.1% Colombian).
In language, Fort Smith has more than ten Asian languages spoken by more than two percent of the population. Also, the increase in immigration from Latin American countries in the late 20th century increased the number of residents who speak Spanish. 7.10% reported speakingSpanishat home, while 3.38% speakVietnameseandLao,and 2.50% speakTagalog.[18]
In 2000, there were 32,398 households, of which 30.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.1% weremarried couplesliving together, 12.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.3% were non-families. 30.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.42 and the average family size was 3.03.
In the city, the population was spread out, with 25.4% under the age of 18, 9.8% from 18 to 24, 29.3% from 25 to 44, 21.8% from 45 to 64, and 13.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.0 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $32,157, and the median income for a family was $41,012. Males had a median income of $29,799 versus $22,276 for females. Theper capita incomefor the city was $18,994. About 12.1% of families and 15.8% of the population were below thepoverty line,including 22.2% of those under age 18 and 9.6% of those age 65 or over.
Economy
editFort Smith has long been a regional manufacturing center, with major plants located in the city operated byRheem,Trane,Georgia-Pacific,Gerber, Kraft Heinz Company-Planters Peanuts, Mars Petcare, Umarex USA, Graphic Packaging, International Paper, Pernod Ricard-USA, and many others.
Fort Smith is home to several corporations, includingABB Motors & Mechanical,ArcBestand poultry companyOK Foods.
According to the city's 2011 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report,[19]the top employers in the city are:
| # | Employer | # of Employees |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Baptist Health (former Sparks Health System) | 2,400 |
| 2 | ABB Motors & Mechanical | 2,393 |
| 3 | OK Foods | 1,800 |
| 4 | Fort Smith Public Schools | 1,783 |
| 5 | MercyHospital Fort Smith | 1,487 |
| 6 | 188th Fighter Wing(stationed at Ebbing Air National Guard Base) | 1,100 |
| 7 | University of Arkansas at Fort Smith | 951 |
| 8 | ArcBest | 936 |
| 9 | City of Fort Smith | 914 |
| 10 | Rheem-Ruud | 900 |
Culture
editVarious television programs and movies have been filmed in Fort Smith, includingThe Blue and The Gray(1982),A Soldier's Story(1984),Biloxi Blues(1988)[20]TrespassandTuskegee Airmen(1995)
Museums
edit
There are multiple museums in Fort Smith, located primarily in the downtown area and the Chaffee Crossing Historic District.
- Fort Smith Regional Art Museum opened to the public on January 19, 2013.
- Fort Smith Museum of History,located almost adjacent to the National Historic Site. The museum contains numerous exhibits, displays and artifacts that tell the story of Fort Smith's history—from the first fort in 1817, through the westward expansion, and on to the Civil War, the Gay Nineties, Fort Chaffee, and the emergence of a modern city.
- Fort Smith Trolley Museumis a railroad museum which displays a number of antique trolleys and related items. One of the trolley cars and three of the locomotives in its collection are listed on theNational Register of Historic Places.
- Fort Smith Air Museum is dedicated to preserving the history of the development of aviation in Western Arkansas and Eastern Oklahoma.
- The Clayton House Museum is the original home of William H.H. Clayton. It is open for tours and rentals for weddings, meetings, events, and much more. The house holds many Clayton artifacts, and boldly tells the history of Mr. Clayton as well as the western frontier
- Chaffee Barbershop Museum - located in the Chaffee Crossing Historic District in east Fort Smith, this museum was the location where, on March 25, 1958, Elvis Presley received his iconic G.I buzz cut
- The United States Marshals Museum documents the heritage and legacy of theUnited States Marshals Service,America's oldest federal law enforcement agency.[21]
Music
editFort Smith has an active music scene. There are frequent live performances in the downtown area by local and national Jazz, Blues, Country, Americana and Rock bands. Local bands regularly frequent the riverfront area highlighting the river valley's finest.
- Fort Smith Symphony - the symphony is a per-service professional orchestra composed of musicians from Fort Smith, Fayetteville, Springfield, Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Norman, Dallas, Little Rock, New York, Florida and other communities. The Fort Smith Symphony, conducted by John Jeter, regularly performs at the ArcBest Performing Arts Center.
Attractions
editAs the third largest city in western Arkansas, Fort Smith offers many activities and attractions. Fort Smith's theater and event venues regularly host major concerts and touring theater companies.
Event venues
edit- Riverfront Amphitheater - Located next to the Arkansas River, the Riverfront Amphitheater represents one-third of the River Park Complex.
- Fort Smith Convention Center, with 140,000 square feet of space, is one of the largest convention centers in the region, second only to Little Rock's Statehouse Convention Center, with 225,000 square feet.[22]Fort Smith Convention Center has more than 40,000 square feet (3,700 m2) of exhibition space. Many trade shows, conventions, and other events are held here each year. The performing arts theater is home to the Fort Smith Symphony and has seating for 1,331 people.
- Kay Rodgers Park - site of the Expo Center, with 24,000 square feet (2,200 m2) of meeting and exhibition space, and the Harper Arena, which is a covered open-air stadium that can seat 7,000 to 14,000 attendees for a variety of events.[23]
- The Blue Lion - This Performing and Visual Arts Center has an intimate 250-seat theater and 1,500 square feet (100 m2) Art Gallery.
Shopping
editFort Smith is the main shopping destination of Western Arkansas and Eastern Oklahoma.Central Mallis the state's largest indoor shopping center in terms of area.
Some notable shopping locations in the city of Fort Smith are:
- Rogers Avenue
- Central Mall
- GreenPointe Shopping Center
- Massard Crossing
- Stonewood Village
- Williamsburg Square
- Phoenix Avenue/Greenwood Ave.
- Fort Smith Pavilion
- May Branch Square
- Phoenix Center
Landmarks
edit
- Fort Smith National Historic Site,the most prominent landmark, which includes the remains of the original 1817 fort on the Arkansas River. Inside is the restored courtroom of the famed "Hangin' Judge" Isaac C. Parker, and the dingy frontier jail aptly named "Hell on the Border." Eventually, this would become the unofficial nickname for all of Fort Smith.[citation needed]
- Belle Grove Historic District,a 22-block area in downtown Fort Smith comprises nearly 25 restored homes that span 130 years of varying architectural styles.
- Clayton House Museum,formerly the home ofW. H. H. Clayton,United States Attorney for the United States District Court for the Western District of Arkansas and chief prosecutor in the court of "hanging judge" Isaac Parker, was built for Clayton in 1882 and owned by him until 1912. The house was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1970.[24]
- Miss Laura's Social Club,a former brothel and the only remaining building from the Row, is home to the city's Convention and Visitors Bureau and the only former house of prostitution on theNational Register of Historic Places.
- Fort Chaffee,primarily used as a training facility by regional National Guard and Reserve Corps units as well as active military units from other installations. In 1958, the entertainerElvis Presleystopped off at Fort Chaffee en route to his basic training in Texas. It was here that the public information officer John J. Mawn told a news conference that Presley would receive the standard "G.I. haircut" and would resemble a "peeled onion".
Annual attractions
edit- Peacemaker Music Fest - held each summer since 2015 at the Riverfront Amphitheater, performers have included Jason Isbell, Grace Potter, Lucero, The Revivalists, Anderson East, Samantha Fish and Ryan Bingham
- Unexpected - Urban Contemporary Art Festival - held each fall since 2015, artists have included D*Face, Okuda San Miguel, Maser, Alexis Diaz, Add Fuel and Ana Maria
- Fort Smith Riverfront Blues Fest - held since 1991 along the Arkansas River in downtown Fort Smith
- Steel Horse Rally - a motorcycle rally held each spring since 2015 to raise money for local charities
- Arkansas-Oklahoma State Fair - this bi-state fair occurs over a ten-day period in late September
- Old Fort Days Rodeo - Fort Smith's annual Old Fort Days Rodeo and Barrel-Racing Futurity offers nearly ten days of Wild West activities. It has been held every May since the mid-1930s
- Fort Smith Brewing Anniversary - Held the last Saturday of September every year since 2017, this festival showcases Fort Smith's only Brewery and is a celebration of the new economic zone known as the Chaffee Crossing Historic District.
- Hanging Judge Border Feud High School Rodeo is held every March or April, schedule permitting. This event is held at Kay Rodgers Park, and includes rodeo events as well as a spring livestock show. The events are open to any high school students
- Fort Smith Juneteenth Community Festival -Juneteenthis the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States[25]
Sports and recreation
editIn addition to sports teams sponsored by Fort Smith Public Schools and University of Arkansas-Fort Smith, Fort Smith has several independent recreational sports programs and annual tournaments administered by local organizations:
- Fort Smith Marshals (Mid America Baseball League)
- Fort Smith Marathon
- Battle at the Fort Volleyball Tournament - held each January at the Fort Smith Convention Center
- United Way Charity Golf Classic - May 2020 at Hardscrabble Country Club[26]
- Fort Smith Tournament of Champions - high school basketball tournament
- Fort Smith Church League Baseball
- Ben Geren Softball Association
- River Valley Futbol Club
- River Valley Cycling Club
- Western ArkansasPickleballAssociation
- Wamer Shopping League
Education
editHigher education
edit
The city has one major university that is part of theUniversity of Arkansas System.TheUniversity of Arkansas at Fort Smithwas founded in 1928 as an extension of the Fort Smith Public School system, with the superintendent, James William Ramsey, acting as the college president and the high school principal as dean. Known originally asFort SmithJunior College,the institution operated within the Fort Smith public school system until 1950, when the school was incorporated as a private, nonprofit institution with its own governing board. In September 1952, the college moved from borrowed facilities in the high school to its current site, initially occupying 15 acres (6.07ha).
In 1966, the institution's name was changed from Fort Smith Junior College toWestark Junior Collegeand in 1972, it was renamedWestark Community College,indicating the larger area to be served and reflecting the more comprehensive mission.
The name of the college was changed yet again in February 1998 toWestark College,more accurately portraying the role and scope of the institution.
On December 15, 2000, the Board of Trustees of Westark College entered into an agreement with the Board of Trustees of theUniversity of Arkansasto merge with theUniversity of Arkansas Systemas a four-year institution. In 2001, the Sebastian County electorate voted to support the merger. A formal request to change affiliation status to that of a bachelor's degree-granting institution under the name of theUniversity of Arkansas at Fort Smithwas submitted to the Higher Learning Commission in August 2001 and approved by the Institutional Actions Council on November 19, 2001.
The merger, which became official on January 1, 2002, endorsed the concept of UA-Fort Smith as a unique university, one that offers applied and traditional baccalaureate degree programs, one- and two-year associate and technical programs, and noncredit business and industry training programs. While theUniversity of Arkansas at Fort Smithis the city's only state supported institution of higher learning.
In addition to the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith (UAFS), theArkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine(ARCOM), a private, non-profit institution, welcomed its inaugural class in August 2017. Graduates of ARCOM receive aDoctor of Osteopathic Medicine(DO) degree.
Elementary and secondary education
editThe public schools in the majority of Fort Smith, as well as a section ofBarling,are operated by theFort Smith School District.[27]Currently, the district includes 26 schools. During the 2019–2020 school year, the district had an enrollment of more than 14,748 students. It has 2 high schools, 4 middle schools, 19 elementary schools, and 1 alternative learning center.
Fort Smith public schools provide education from kindergarten through the 12th grade, as do some privateProtestantschools.Catholicparochial schools offer education through the ninth grade.
Middle Schools in Fort Smith include Chaffin Middle School, Ramsey Middle School, Kimmons Middle School, and Darby Middle School. Private schools covering the same grade range include Trinity Catholic School, Union Christian Academy, and Northside Christian Academy.
High schools in Fort Smith include the publicNorthside High SchoolandSouthside High School,along with the privateUnion Christian Academyand Northside Christian Academy.
Some portions of Fort Smith in the south are zoned toGreenwood School District.[27]
Fort Smith previously had a Catholic grade school for black children, St. John the Baptist School; it closed in 1968.[28]
Media
editTheSouthwest Times Recordis the largest newspaper in the city, as well as the region. It is owned byGannett.The Hispanos Unidosis the only Spanish-language publication in the region.[citation needed]Other publications in the Fort Smith area includeEntertainment Fort SmithandDo South Magazine.
Radio
editAM radio Stations in the Fort Smith area include:
| Call letters | Frequency | Format |
|---|---|---|
| KFSA | 950 | Christian |
| KFPW | 1230 | Nostalgia |
| KWHN | 1320 | News Talk |
| KFSW | 1650 | Southern Gospel |
FM Radio Stations in the Fort Smith area include:
| Call letters | Frequency | Format |
|---|---|---|
| KAOW | 88.9 | Religious |
| KBHN | 89.7 | Christian |
| KLFS | 90.3 | Christian |
| KLFH | 90.7 | Contemporary Christian |
| KUAF | 91.3 | Public Radio |
| KREU | 92.3 | Spanish |
| KISR | 93.7 | Top 40 |
| KFPW | 94.5 | Hard Rock |
| KERX | 95.3 | Sports |
| KKBD | 95.9 | Classic Rock |
| KZBB | 97.9 | Variety |
| KMAG | 99.1 | Country |
| KTCS | 99.9 | Country |
| KNSH | 100.7 | Country |
| KGDA-LP | 102.3 | Spanish Christian |
| KBBQ-FM | 102.7 | Urban/Hip Hop |
| KHGG | 103.5 | Sports |
| KQBK | 104.7 | Oldies |
| KZKZ | 106.3 | Christian |
| KEZA | 107.9 | Adult Contemporary |
Television
editTelevision stations in the Fort Smith area include:
| Call letters | Number | Network |
|---|---|---|
| KFSM | 5 | CBS |
| KAFT | 13 | PBS |
| KFTA | 24 | Fox |
| KWNL | 31 | Univision |
| KXNW | 34 | MyNetworkTV |
| KHBS | 40 | ABC |
| KFDF | 44 | Estrella TV |
| KNWA | 51 | NBC |
Infrastructure
editTransportation
editFort Smith is a major transportation hub for the surrounding region. It sits at the crossroads of two major interstate highways, is surrounded on three sides by the Arkansas River, is served by 1 major and 2 regional/switching railroad companies, and is the home of a regional airport.
The city sits just southwest of the intersection ofInterstate 40andInterstate 49.Interstate 49 will extend southward to meetInterstate 30inTexarkana, Texas.US 71andUS 64also run through the community.
Fort Smith is served by theFort Smith Regional Airport(FSM), which is used for military aviation forFort Chaffeeand home of the 188th Fighter Wing of theArkansas Air National Guard,and is served by one commercial airline with flights toDallas/Fort Worth.
Jefferson Linesbus service also links Fort Smith to other communities such asLittle Rock,Kansas City, andOklahoma City,as well as intermediate points, with numerous connections to other cities and towns.
The city is located on the Arkansas River, part of theMcClellan-Kerr Navigation Systemand is served by the Port of Fort Smith.
Fort Smith is served by theKansas City Southern Railwayfrom a branch connection on the mainline at Poteau, Oklahoma, and affords connections to other railroads at Kansas City, Missouri, and at New Orleans, Louisiana. In addition, the regional railroad company, theArkansas and Missouri Railroaddirectly serves Fort Smith and provides connections through the St. Louis, Missouri, and Memphis gateways to the east. TheFort Smith Railroadprovides local switching service to a variety of businesses as well as providing haulage for the Union Pacific Railway with which it connects at Van Buren, Arkansas. At this time, there is no direct passenger service from Amtrak. The closest point for such service is Little Rock.
Within the city, public bus service is provided byFort Smith Transit(FST). As of January 2015, FST operates 6 fixed routes, as well asparatransitservice for disabled persons and Demand Buses.
Atrolley-replica busoperates in the downtown area, providing transportation between the Belle Grove Historic District and the Fort Smith National Historic Site. TheFort Smith Trolley Museumoperates genuinetrolleys,but as a historic attraction, rather than as transportation.
Utilities
edit
Fort Smith uses two water treatment plants (WTPs) for its drinking water; one nearLake Fort SmithinMountainburgand one onLee Creek.The city announced August 12, 2021, that the Massard Water Reclamation Facility would need to undergo a $22 million upgrade to avoid failure. If failure occurs, nearly all of East Fort Smith and surrounding towns would be without wastewater treatment, causing wastewater to flow into the Arkansas River. It has had little to no upgrades since built in 1966.
Healthcare
edit
Hospitals in Fort Smith include:
- Mercy Hospital Fort Smith
- Baptist Health-Fort Smith (FormerlySparks Regional Medical Center)
- HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital
- Valley Behavioral Health System
- Mercy Orthopedic Hospital
- Select Specialty Hospital
Notable people
editNotable figures who were born in, lived in, or are otherwise associated with Fort Smith.
Athletes
edit- Martine Bercher,formerUniversity of ArkansasAll-Americandefensive back.
- Ron Brewer,formerUniversity of Arkansasshooting guard, drafted by thePortland Trail Blazers.
- Kodi Burns,formerAuburn Universityquarterback, coach for theNew Orleans Saints.
- Ravin Caldwell,former National Football League player.
- Glen Condren,former National Football League player,New York GiantsandAtlanta Falcons;born in Fort Smith, 1942.
- Harry Feldman,former Major League Baseball player.
- Jim Files,former National Football League player.
- Jack Fleck,professional golfer, 1955 US Open winner.
- Ryan Franklin,pitcher for St. Louis Cardinals and Olympic gold medalist.
- Craig Gentry,Major League Baseball player.
- Brett Goode,Former National Football League player with the Green Bay Packers.
- Neale Henderson,Negro league baseball player.
- Priest Holmes,former National Football League player.
- Isaiah Joe,formerUniversity of ArkansasShooting Guard, drafted by thePhiladelphia 76ers.
- Jim King,former National Basketball Association player and NBA All-Star.
- Dat Nguyen,formerlinebackerfor theDallas Cowboys.
- Jahlil Okafor,Professional basketball player,Philadelphia 76ersandBrooklyn Nets;born in Fort Smith.[29]
- Scotty Robertson,coached atC.E. Byrd High SchoolinShreveport,Louisiana,Louisiana Tech UniversityinRuston,and for four NBA teams; born in Fort Smith in 1930.
- Cole Rouse,racing driver.
- Jaylin Williams,formerUniversity of Arkansascenter, drafted by theOklahoma City Thunder.
Actors, musicians, and media
edit- Katharine Alexander(1898–1981), actress.
- James Cotten,film director, actor, writer, producer.
- Juliette Danielle,actress.
- Hunter Doohan,actor.
- Charlie Jones(1930-2008), sportscaster.
- Douglas C. Jones(1924-1998), author of historical fiction.
- Brandon Keener,actor.
- Jerry Keller,singer.
- Laurence Luckinbill,actor.
- Rudy Ray Moore(1927-2008), singer and actor.
- Brad Neely,modern web artist.
- Marty Stouffer,creator ofWild AmericaTV series.
- Alphonso Trent(1902-1959), jazz bandleader and musician.
Politicians, lawyers, and judges
edit- John Boozman(born 1950),United States Senatorand formerUnited States RepresentativeforArkansas's 3rd congressional district;Northside High School graduate and football player for theArkansas Razorbacks;brother of Fay Boozman.
- Virgil Bozeman(1912–2007), Illinois state representative and lawyer[30]
- Charles Winchester Breedlove,Los Angeles City Councilmember, 1933–45, born in Fort Smith.
- Clifton R. Breckinridge(1846–1932), a Democratic alderman, congressman, diplomat, businessman and veteran of theConfederate States of AmericaArmy and Navy.
- William Lee Cazort(1887–1969), formerLieutenant Governor of Arkansas,graduated from high school in Fort Smith.
- W. H. H. Clayton(1840–1920), soldier, attorney, judge, justice of the Central District Court in Indian Territory; lived in Fort Smith 1873–1893, while serving under Judge Isaac Parker, before moving to McAlester, Oklahoma; buried in Fort Smith National Cemetery.
- Mark Darr(born 1973), former Lieutenant Governor of Arkansas, was born in Fort Smith.
- Jake Files(born 1972), state senator from Fort Smith since 2011; former member of the Arkansas House of Representatives.[31]
- William Meade Fishback(1831–1903) was a Democratic Governor of Arkansas and selected to be a member of the United States Senate but was not allowed to serve.
- Charlene Fite(born 1950), educator in Fort Smith and Republican state representative from Crawford and Washington counties.
- B. G. Hendrix(1922–2020), former state representative for Fort Smith.
- Asa Hutchinson(born 1950), Republican Governor of Arkansas starting in 2015, Republican former U.S. representative, Drug Enforcement Administration head, Under Secretary of Homeland Security, U.S. Senate nominee in 1986, and Arkansas gubernatorial nominee in 2006.
- Carol Kelso(born 1945), former member of theWisconsin State Assemblyand Executive ofBrown County, Wisconsin.
- Marilyn Lloyd(1929–2018), Democratic Congresswoman fromTennessee's 3rd congressional district,1975–1995; was born in Fort Smith
- George E. Nowotny(born 1932), Republican member of the Arkansas House of Representatives for Sebastian County from 1967 to 1972; resident ofTulsa, Oklahoma.
- Carolyn Pollan(born 1937), former member of Arkansas House of Representatives, longest-serving Republican and longest-serving woman member of the chamber.
- Isaac C. Parker(1838–1896), the "Hanging Judge".
- William L. Spicer(1918–1991), chairman of theArkansas Republican Partyfrom 1962 to 1964, who quarreled withWinthrop Rockefeller;owner of a chain ofdrive-in theaters.
Other
edit- Benjamin Bonneville(1796–1878), explorer of theAmerican West.
- John R. Clarke,author and Scientific Director at theUnited States Navy Experimental Diving Unit
- Charles M. Cooke, Jr.,World War II admiral, naval strategist, Commander of theUSSPennsylvaniaduring the attack atPearl Harbor.
- Max C. Currick(1877–1947), rabbi
- William O. Darby(1911–1945), heroic World War II general.
- Alyse Eady(born 1988), Miss Arkansas, 2011 Miss America first runner-up.
- Kelly J. Ford,novelist
- Jeff Gillan(born 1957), journalist
- Ozro Thurston "O.T." Jones, Sr.(1891-1972), second Senior Bishop of theChurch of God in Christ
- Mame Stewart Josenberger(c1870-1964), businesswoman and club leader in Fort Smith
- Madison Marsh(born 2001), Second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force, crowned as Miss Colorado 2023, and Miss America 2024
- Ralph O. Mott,architect
- E. Chester Nelson,architect
- Bass Reeves(1838–1910), thought to be one of the first African Americans to have received a commission as a U.S. DeputyMarshalwest of theMississippi River.
- Roger Lee Steele(1945–2012), graphic artist/printmaker
- Cap Tilles(1865–1951), capitalist and philanthropist.
- Frederick Hinde Zimmerman(1864-1924), businessman, and founder of theGrand Rapids Hotel.
Sister cities
editFort Smith has a sister city relationship withCisterna di Latina, Italy,site of theWorld War IIBattle of Cisterna,fought byUnited States Army Rangerscommanded by Fort Smith nativeWilliam Orlando Darby.The city also has a mutual friendship-city relationship withJining, China.[32][33][34]
Cisterna di Latina,Italy – 1983[35]
Jining,Shandong,China
See also
edit
References
edit- ^Mean monthly maxima and minima (i.e. the highest and lowest temperature readings during an entire month or year) calculated based on data at said location from 1991 to 2020.
- ^"2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files".United States Census Bureau.RetrievedOctober 29,2021.
- ^abU.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Fort Smith, Arkansas
- ^"Total Gross Domestic Product for Fort Smith, AR-OK (MSA)".fred.stlouisfed.org.
- ^"Find a County".National Association of Counties. Archived fromthe originalon May 31, 2011.RetrievedJune 7,2011.
- ^"U.S. Census website".RetrievedNovember 28,2021.
- ^Watson-Fisher, Jadyn."George McGill introduced as city's first black mayor".Southwest Times Record.Archived fromthe originalon September 30, 2021.RetrievedDecember 15,2020.
- ^"Photo of gallows".Fort Smith Convention and Visitors Bureau. Archived fromthe originalon August 5, 2008.RetrievedAugust 30,2010.
- ^"Sunday's Fury: KFSM Coverage of the 1996 Fort Smith, Van Buren Tornado".Fort Smith/Fayetteville News | 5newsonline KFSM 5NEWS.April 22, 2015.RetrievedMay 9,2017.
- ^"Ft. Smith and Van Buren, Arkansas, Tornado of April 21, 1996"(PDF).weather.gov.RetrievedMay 9,2017.
- ^ab "Station: Ft Smith RGNL AP, AR".U.S. Climate Normals 2020: U.S. Monthly Climate Normals (1991-2020).National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.RetrievedJune 21,2021.
- ^abc "NowData – NOAA Online Weather Data".National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.RetrievedJune 21,2021.
- ^ "WMO Climate Normals for Fort Smith/Municipal, AR 1961–1990".National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.RetrievedSeptember 23,2015.
- ^"Census of Population and Housing".Census.gov.RetrievedJune 4,2015.
- ^"P004 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2000: DEC Summary File 1 – Fort Smith city, Arkansas".United States Census Bureau.
- ^"P2 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Fort Smith city, Arkansas".United States Census Bureau.
- ^"P2 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) - Fort Smith city, Arkansas".United States Census Bureau.
- ^"U.S. Census website".United States Census Bureau.RetrievedJanuary 31,2008.
- ^"Data Center Results".mla.org.RetrievedMarch 27,2018.
- ^"City of Fort Smith CAFR"(PDF).Archived fromthe original(PDF)on March 17, 2013.RetrievedNovember 3,2012.
- ^Barth, Jack (1991).Roadside Hollywood: The Movie Lover's State-By-State Guide to Film Locations, Celebrity Hangouts, Celluloid Tourist Attractions, and More.Contemporary Books. Page 122.ISBN9780809243266.
- ^"US Marshals Museum".United States Marshals Museum.RetrievedJuly 3,2023.
- ^"Arkansas...so much to see and do. (Special Advertising Section)".Meetings & Conventions.Vol. 37, no. 7. Educators Reference Complete. June 2002. p. SS3.RetrievedJanuary 13,2017.
- ^"Event Facilities: Kay Rodgers Park: Fort Smith, AR".kayrodgerspark.org.Archived fromthe originalon October 22, 2019.RetrievedOctober 13,2019.
- ^"NRHP nomination for W.H.H. Clayton House"(PDF).Arkansas Preservation.RetrievedMarch 26,2015.
- ^"Juneteenth World Wide Celebration".juneteenth.RetrievedJune 8,2019.
- ^"Hardscrabble Country Club to again host golf tournament".Talk Business & Politics.October 2, 2019.
- ^ab"2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Sebastian County, AR"(PDF).U.S. Census Bureau.RetrievedSeptember 19,2022.
- ^Hargett, Malea (May 12, 2012)."State's last black Catholic school to close".Arkansas Catholic.RetrievedJuly 31,2017.
- ^"Duke's Jahlil Okafor, his father rose together from tragedy".foxsports.February 23, 2015.RetrievedMarch 27,2018.
- ^'Illinois Blue Book 1949-1950,' Biographical Sketch of Virgil Bozeman, pg. 199
- ^"Jake Files' Biography".votesmart.org.RetrievedNovember 29,2013.
- ^Cooke, Mallory (October 1, 2012)."Fort Smith to Become Sister City with Jining, China".5newsonline.KFSM-TV.RetrievedJanuary 3,2018.
The city of Fort Smith plans to become a sister city with Jining, China.
- ^"Jining, Fort Smith officials celebrate 'friendship' status".Talk Business & Politics.Natural State Media. October 4, 2012.RetrievedJanuary 3,2018.
Wu Jiwen, vice-mayor for the city of Jining, China, led a nine-member delegation in…a "memorandum of understanding" that Jining and Fort Smith will be known as "friendship cities" moving forward.
- ^Gast, Kris (October 5, 2012)."Dr. Kris Gast Attends Fort Smith and Jining, China Meeting".Fort Smith Radiation Oncology.Old Fort Software.RetrievedJanuary 3,2018.
The Fort Smith Board of Directors and the Jining Delegation held a gift exchange meeting and closed with a ribbon unification ceremony symbolizing Fort Smith and Jining as friendship cities.
- ^Lovett, John (September 1, 2019)."Cisterna, Fort Smith sister city ties on the mend".Southwest Times Record.Archived fromthe originalon March 5, 2021.RetrievedFebruary 15,2021.
External links
edit
- City of Fort SmithArchivedJuly 17, 2011, at theWayback Machine
- Fort Smith Convention and Visitors Bureau
- .Collier's New Encyclopedia.1921.