Discover the Past at the Fort Smith Museum of History

January 22, 2021 · 3 min read

Looking for something fun and creative to do near Fort Smith, Arkansas? Be sure to check out the Fort Smith Museum of History, where your whole family can discover the past in a brand new way.

A Walk Through Time

The stated mission of the Museum is “to collect, preserve and share the history and culture of Fort Smith and the surrounding region.” The museum accomplishes this by allowing visitors to step into history. Upon entry, guests are greeted with a timeline that walks through the history of the city. Founded as a military fort in 1817, Fort Smith became a fur-trading center before turning into a full-fledged city.

This history is encapsulated within the 40,000 artifacts owned by the museum.

Housed in the Atkinson-Williams Warehouse

When visiting the museum, you're immediately placed in the past. The history of the Atkinson-Williams Warehouse is unmistakable. Over a century old, this warehouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The surrounding area and landscape of the museum are beautiful, with a picturesque walking trail near the Arkansas River.

Interact With History

One of the most exciting exhibits in the museum is an old fashioned soda fountain. Styled after a 1920s to 1940s pharmacy, this is a great way to discover the past. Enjoy ice cream, sundaes, floats, and handmade ice cream sodas from this working exhibit.

Jump into the replica six-oared skiff to discover what it was like to explore the Arkansas River for the first time. This rowboat is a fun photo opportunity for the whole family. The Hanging Judge Parker exhibit features a simulated conversation between Judge Parker and his wife depicting a typical day in their lives.

Pretend that you're a radio or television announcer at the “On the Air” exhibit, depicting Fort Smith's broadcasting history. Or, make a phone call in the antique phone exhibit.

Entertaining Events

Nothing makes history come to life like a community event, and the Museum hosts some great ones! The Local Color Radio Hour is a recurring variety show filled with music, history, and comedy styled after the golden age of radio. Events such as Murder Mystery Dinners and Retro Markets make learning fun and fresh, while Trivia Night provides much-needed relaxation.

Home of the Army Rangers

Make sure to stop by the William O. Darby Memorial Room to learn about this man's innovative military technique. Darby, a graduate of Fort Smith High School and West Point, led the group known as Darby's Rangers in World War II, eventually transforming into the Army Rangers.

Forever Evolving

The staff, executive board, and numerous volunteers are dedicated to making sure the museum stays fun, informational, and relevant throughout the years. Particularly interesting is a rotating exhibit entitled "Embodiment: A Retrospective of Historically Black Fort Smith."

With an excellent space for temporary exhibits, the museum is worth visiting time after time!

After you've finished discovering the past, be sure to stop by Orr Chevrolet of Fort Smith for modern vehicles and old-fashioned service!

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Dec 09, 2023 in Fort Smith Community

Your First Chevy: 6 Tips for New Drivers From Your Chevy Dealer

If you are one of the lucky new drivers sitting behind the wheel of your first Chevy, we know you want to ensure it continues to be as reliable and safe as the day you drove it off the showroom floor. Below are helpful tips from your Chevy dealer to ensure you enjoy every mile behind the wheel of your brand-new Chevrolet. Photo by: Taras Makarenko via pexels.com more 1. Read Your Chevrolet Owner's Manual Your owner's manual is a comprehensive guide containing all the information you need about your Chevrolet model. It includes detailed information on your car's operating systems, features, warning lights, and tire pressure. The manual also contains your vehicle's service schedule and factory-prescribed maintenance intervals. 2. Follow Your Vehicle's Maintenance Intervals One of the key elements in maintaining a Chevy in top running condition is to adhere to the service schedule and maintenance intervals specified in the owner's manual. Routine maintenance ensures your car's reliability and fuel efficiency and makes it safe. Moreover, a well-maintained vehicle will save you money on gas and repairs and be a pleasure to drive for thousands of miles. 3. Change the Oil on Schedule Routine oil changes are essential to keep the engine components well-lubricated and extend your engine's lifespan. Follow the manufacturer's recommended oil change intervals, typically every 5,000 to 7,500 miles or when your Oil Life Monitoring System (OLMS) alerts you. We strongly recommend using quality ACDelco Gold Conventional Oil, ACDelco dexos1 Full Synthetic Oil, or Mobil 1 Full Synthetic Oil, which contains special protective additives and offers exceptional lubrication. 4. Perform Regular Fluid Checks and Top-Offs Keeping your car's moving parts cool and lubricated is important to reduce friction and wear. Always ensure all the fluids are at the correct levels by checking them at least once a month and adding more if necessary. Additionally, look out for any puddles under your vehicle. If you spot a pool, your car leaks fluid and needs professional repairs from one of our qualified Chevrolet technicians as soon as possible. 5. Never Ignore the Dashboard Warning Lights It's important to note when any warning lights on your dashboard are illuminated. These warning lights alert you when there are problems with your vehicle. It's best to contact us for immediate assistance to avoid causing more damage to your Chevy. Waiting could lead to higher repair costs or expensive replacements. 6. Always Install OEM Chevrolet Parts Genuine OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) Chevrolet parts are designed and engineered specifically for your Chevy and offer reliability and outstanding performance. When you purchase genuine OEM Chevrolet parts, ACDelco, and GM genuine parts from us and a qualified Chevrolet technician installs the parts, most parts are warranty-covered for 24 months. If you trust us to help you maintain your Chevy, your vehicle will never let you down. You will pay less for gas and repairs, and your car will last longer. Call Orr Chevrolet of Fort Smith today to schedule a maintenance service, and our Chevrolet-trained technicians will ensure your Chevy runs perfectly.

Sep 23, 2023 in Fort Smith Community

4 Favorite Hiking Trails You Can Drive to Near Fort Smith, AR

Fort Smith, AR is a dynamic and fun city with plenty of things to do. There is also no shortage of hiking trails conveniently located in the city itself. The 2020 GMC Acadia Denali is a rugged and reliable choice with adaptive cruise control and an intuitive navigation system that can help you find all of the best outdoor spots near Fort Smith. Photo by: asmuSe via pixabay.com more 1. Fort Smith National Historic Site Loop Trail Find the Fort Smith National Historic Site Loop Trail at 301 Parker Avenue. This great trail is about a mile and a half long and runs in a lovely look with epic views, historic buildings, and through shaded, beautiful areas. You'll have the chance to see a lot of different birds and some local wildlife, and relax near the Arkansas River. This trail gives you the best of nature while still being easy enough for most people to enjoy comfortably. Plus, it's right in the middle of Fort Smith. 2. Rice Cardin Levee Trail Rice Cardin Levee Trail, at Riverfront Park, 121 Riverfront Drive, is a longer trail that runs for just over 12 miles. It's an out-and-back trail with plenty of great winding trails where you can hike, bike, or try to spot some of Arkansas's local birds. There are several different aspects to this hike, including a paved area in the city and then a wide dirt trail that takes you into the rugged forested area of Fort Smith. Although this trail is pretty long, there are plenty of benches where you can relax and marvel at the scenery. 3. Torraine Lake Visit Torraine Lake at 10000 Chad Colley Boulevard and enjoy a fun hike around the lake. There's a paved trail that winds itself part of the way around the lake. This hike is leisurely and family friendly, and you can couple it with some fun water sports of Torraine Lake itself. There are plenty of opportunities to go fishing or kayaking at this favorite Fort Smith spot. 4. Ben Geren Fitness Course Those looking for an easy, fun hike in the city should check out the Ben Geren Fitness Course at 7200 Zero Street. The trail is well-maintained and runs about a mile and a half through Ben Geren Regional Park. It's a relatively easy course with plenty of amenities that will give you a small taste of the country in the heart of one of Arkansas' most cosmopolitan cities. You don't have to travel far to see the great outdoors in Fort Smith, but you do need an excellent vehicle to get around. Visit us at Orr Chevrolet of Fort Smith and test drive your next ride today.

vegetarian restaurants near fort smith, arkansas

Aug 19, 2023 in Fort Smith Community

5 Vegetarian Restaurants Worth the Drive Near Fort Smith, AR

The historic and friendly town of Fort Smith, AR, has some of the best restaurants in the state, including excellent options for people who don't eat meat. These vegetarian restaurants serve various dishes that will please everyone in your party. Your 2023 Chevrolet Equinox RS is a roomy ride with adaptive cruise control and a powerful navigation system to get you there in style. Photo by: Ella Olsson via pexels.com more 1. Tassanee's Thai Cuisine Visit Tassanee's Thai Cuisine at 1611 Dodson Avenue for some of the state's best vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free Thai food. Some of the menu highlights include tasty fare like Vegan Pho simmering in a spiced and perfectly balanced broth and tofu-studded curries. Expect friendly, fast service and a pleasant atmosphere when you visit. 2. Green Papaya Green Papaya, at 6301 Highway 271,, has many vegetarian options, including sweet and sour soup with tofu and plenty of stir-fried veggie dishes. Everything is fresh, and prepared quickly, and the portions are enormous. Get a few dishes to share and enjoy a top-notch vegetarian feast at this Fort Smith favorite. 3. Paizi's Gyros Mediterranean Grill Stop by Paizi's Gyros Mediterranean Grill at 3110 S. 74th Street for huge, tasty portions of veggie-filled Mediterranean food. The vegetarian platter full of spanakopita, French fries, and baklava is a great treat that strikes a good balance between sweet and savory. The pita chips with tzatziki, hummus, and feta cheese are great for sharing, and the Greek salad bursting with Kalamata olives, feta, and vegetables served with fresh, hot pita bread is the perfect lunchtime bite. 4. Rolando's Restaurante Rolando's Restaurante, at 917 North A. Street, offers a variety of vegetarian comfort food in a friendly, family-oriented environment. The vegetarian quesadilla and enchiladas are excellent. If you're in the mood for delicious, Mexican-style food with plenty of tasty vegetables, try this spot. 5. R&R's Curry Express R&R's Curry Express, at 1525 Rogers Avenue, offers regular vegetarian specials, a nice vegan menu, and delicious mango lassis. Enjoy a variety of different curries, sauces, and sides, plus tasty bread in a friendly atmosphere. Plus, the servers at R&R Curry Express are happy to make any meal modifications or adjust the spice level of your dishes as needed. Fort Smith has plenty of different options for vegetarians, vegans, and people with special dietary needs. No matter what you're looking for, there's bound to be a tasty option right down the road. Plus, all of these options are right in the middle of Fort Smith, so it couldn't be more convenient to visit them all. You will need a great car, though. Stop in and see us at Orr Chevrolet of Fort Smith and test drive your next vehicle today.