Fort Smith, Arkansas 2025

Fort Smith, Arkansas is a city located in the western part of the state, near the border with Oklahoma. It has a rich history and a diverse culture that is reflected in its population, events, and attractions.

Population: According to the most recent census data, the population of Fort Smith is approximately 88,000 people. The median age of the population is 36.1 years old and the median household income is $43,385.

Culture: Fort Smith is a city with a unique blend of Southern hospitality and Western heritage. The city has a vibrant arts scene, with numerous galleries, theaters, and museums. The Fort Smith Regional Art Museum (Fort Smith RAMA) and the Fort Smith Convention Center are two of the most popular cultural venues in the city. The city is also home to the Fort Smith Symphony, which performs a variety of classical and pops concerts throughout the year.

Special Events: Fort Smith hosts a number of special events throughout the year, including the Fort Smith Riverfront Blues Festival, the Fort Smith Peach Festival, and the Fort Smith Christmas Parade. The city also hosts the Fort Smith Classic, a professional golf tournament that is part of the Web.com Tour.

Local Attractions: Fort Smith is home to a number of historical and recreational attractions. The Fort Smith National Historic Site is a popular destination for history buffs, as it preserves and interprets the history of Fort Smith and the Western frontier. The park includes the restored 1870s-era Fort Smith National Historic Site, which features a number of historic buildings, including the barracks, courthouse, and officers' quarters. The park also includes the Fort Smith Commissary, which houses a museum and gift shop.

Another popular attraction in Fort Smith is the Fort Smith Trolley Museum, which offers trolley rides through the city and features a collection of vintage trolleys and buses. The museum also hosts a number of special events throughout the year, including the Trolley of Lights holiday light tour.

For those who enjoy the outdoors, Fort Smith has a number of parks and recreational areas, including the Fort Smith Park, which features a number of hiking and biking trails, a playground, and a fishing pond. The park also hosts a number of special events throughout the year, including the Fort Smith Park Concert Series.

Food: Fort Smith has a diverse food scene, with a variety of restaurants and cafes that serve everything from Southern comfort food to Mexican and Asian cuisine. Some of the most popular restaurants in the city include Doe's Eat Place, which serves up delicious steaks and tamales, and The Railhouse, which offers a wide selection of craft beers and burgers. The city is also home to a number of popular chains, such as Olive Garden and Cracker Barrel.

People: The people of Fort Smith are friendly and welcoming. The city has a strong sense of community, and residents take pride in their city and its history. Fort Smith is a city where people of all ages and backgrounds can feel at home.

History: Fort Smith was established in 1817 as a military post and has played a significant role in the history of the Western frontier. The city was a key transportation hub and a center of commerce, and it was also a center of justice, with the famous "Hanging Judge" Isaac C. Parker presiding over the federal court in the city. Today, Fort Smith is a thriving city that celebrates its rich history and looks forward to a bright future.