Fort Smith AR Moving Companies

Fort Smith, Arkansas

Now if you are looking for a balanced blend between “Wild West” and “Deep South” themes, then you'll love moving to Fort Smith, Arkansas. A visit will have you believing that you have been transported back in time in this historic town.

History:
The once-scrappy frontier town of Fort Smith, Arkansas grew up around a Fort built in 1817 to ensure peace between warring American Indian tribes. Following a time of peace it seemed the Fort might be abandoned in favor of defenses elsewhere on the Arkansas River. However, Fort Smith came into its own again when the government realized its strategic potential in the Mexican War, as well during Indian Removals. The Confederate Army occupied the Fort during the early years of the Civil War until it fell to the Union troops on September 1st, 1863. Thereafter it remained under their control until war ended in 1865. When federal troops moved out in 1871 and left the town to its own defenses, it thrived mainly for the wrong reasons – brothels, countless saloons and a favorite place for outlaws to hang out. Enter Judge Isaac Parker, who was instrumental in maintaining law and order in Fort Smith for the last quarter of the 19th Century. Dubbed the “Hanging Judge” because of the swift justice he handed down, he condemned no less than 160 men to the gallows of whom 79 were executed while he held office. His Courthouse is today a National Historic Site, claiming the dubious title of “Where more men were put to death by the U. S. Government….than any other place in American History”.

Economy:
Long a regional manufacturing center, Fort Smith has several major plants located in the city. Names like the Whirlpool Corporation, Rheem, Trane, Georgia-Pacific, Gerber and Planters Peanuts are among these. Several corporations have also located to Fort Smith in recent times, including Arkansas Best Corporation, Baldor Electric Company, and one of the largest Nursing Home Health Care Providers in the Nation, Golden Living. Poultry farming is also big in Fort Smith with OK Foods ever-present.

Tourism:
You will find plenty to do and see when you visit Fort Smith. Of course, historic attractions are bound to be popular in what was once a wild frontier town – there are so many worthy of viewing that we best point you to the Fort Smith Things To Do website so that you can decide for yourself. Arkansas is also wine country so be sure to leave time to visit the quaint vineyards at Altus, Arkansas which is less than an hour from downtown Fort Smith. And, if that is not your scene there are theatre and entertainment diversions for the whole family, parks and other recreational venues, shops and casinos and wonderful golf courses to enjoy. Oh, and do not forget the National Historic Site which includes the Federal Courthouse that Judge Isaac Parker presided over. If you still have time to spare, visit Miss Laura’s Social Club, once a thriving brothel but today the Visitors Center – well, we did promise you a thrilling experience!

Universities/Colleges:

• University of Arkansas
• Northeastern State University
• Arkansas Tech University
• Oral Roberts University
• Tulsa Community College
• Westark College

Interesting Facts:

• Fort Smith is located in “Tornado Alley” in the central United States. Three major tornadoes have struck the city (1898, 1927 and 1996).
• The 1969 classic Western “True Grit” starring John Wayne, cleverly depicted life in Fort Smith in the troubled frontier days but was actually shot on location in Colorado.
• The population density of Fort Smith is a comfortable 1,699 people per square mile.