Fort Smith, Arkansas

Fort Smith National Historic Site

The site, which just underwent a $7 million renovation, contains the remains of two frontier garrisons, Federal Court for the Western District of Arkansas, "Hangin' Judge" Isaac C. Parker's courtroom, reproduction of the 1886 gallows, the "Hell on the Border" jail, the 1846

Arkansas River

U.S. National Cemetery

When the first Fort Smith was laid out in 1817, land was set aside for a military cemetery. Granted national status in 1867, the 21-acre U.S. National Cemetery contains almost 10,000 graves -- among them Judge Isaac Parker and "Darby's Rangers" founder William O. Darby. The colorful "

Darby House Museum

The boyhood home of General William O. Darby, leader of Darby's Rangers in World War II; contains personal military memorabilia of the general; also has tributes to Darby and artifacts from Cisterna, Italy, Fort Smith'

Fort Smith Museum of History

Directions: West end of Rogers Ave. between 3rd and 4th Streets Artifacts depict history and culture of the Fort Smith area from Native Americans to present, military activity, notable personalities; revolving exhibits; old-time soda fountain; gift shop.