Fort Smith is a city that lies on the Arkansas-Oklahoma state border, situated at the junction of the Arkansas and Poteau Rivers, also known as Belle Point. Fort Smith is a city in Sebastian County.
The town of Fort Smith, situated on a bend in the Arkansas River on the border with Oklahoma, grew out of a fort established in 1817 to protect the westward trek of settlers. During the Californian gold rush it became the haunt of gun-happy bandits. The Belle Grove Historic District has been beautifully restored and visitors can take a trolley tour of the area.
Perhaps the most prominent stop is the Fort Smith National Historic Site, which includes the remains of the original 1817 fort on the Arkansas River. One of the highlights is the two-story barracks from the second fort, which in the early 1870's became the Federal Courthouse for the Western District of Arkansas. Inside is the restored courtroom of the famed "Hangin' Judge" Isaac C. Parker, and the dingy frontier jail aptly named "Hell on the Border." On the site grounds are Judge Parker's restored gallows, and the original Commissary building - a major military supply center in the 1850's. The National Historic Site has recently completed $7.5 million restoration.
On the banks of Arkansas River, Fort Smith celebrates its Wild West history at museums like the National Historic Site, through preservation of numerous historic homes and through annual festivals, such as its Old Fort Days Rodeo, held each spring. Downtown, Garrison Avenue is full of shopping, dining, arts and entertainment venues.
Fishing opportunities abound with the Arkansas River Navigation System, which has created scores of quiet inlets and bayous filled with many kinds of native Arkansas fish. The Ft. Smith area also has a reputation as a bird sanctuary. Other outdoor recreational opportunities such as hiking and canoeing can be found nearby at Devil's Den State Park and the Mulberry River.
Fort Smith is famous for its many attractions. You can shop for antiques, attend a festival or symphony performance, see a show or enjoy the great outdoors.
Housing Cost
In Fort Smith the average sold price for a home is $102,419, while housing prices in the area range from $10,000 to $1,600,000.
Demographics
Estimated population in July 2005: 82,481. Fort Smith covers 52.9 square miles. It sits at an elevation of 463 feet above sea level.
Climate
Ft. Smith, AR climate is hot during summer when temperatures tend to be in the 80's and cold during winter when temperatures tend to be in the 40's.
The warmest month of the year is July with an average maximum temperature of 93.70 degrees Fahrenheit, while the coldest month of the year is January with an average minimum temperature of 28.90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Temperature variations between night and day tend to be moderate during summer with a difference that can reach 23 degrees Fahrenheit, and moderate during winter with an average difference of 23 degrees Fahrenheit.
The annual average precipitation at Ft. Smith is 47.75 Inches. Rainfall in is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year. The wettest month of the year is May with an average rainfall of 5.73 Inches.
Information provided by idcide.com and city data.com
