We want to thank Experience Fort Smith and the local businesses for hosting our visit. rest assured all opinions are our own.

Patrolling the Frontier

The original stockade, built in 1817, was situated on the edge of the western frontier. By the time they decided to move farther west, into what would become Oklahoma, a small settlement had sprung up surrounding the fort. By 1838, the Army decided to return to this site, as the Indian Removal Act was enforced. Fort Smith saw minimal action during the Civil War but gained notoriety at the end of the 1800s. It was the appointment of Judge Isaac Parker (The Hanging Judge) that drew the attention of the nation. His jurisdiction included 74,000 square miles of Indian Territory, which was filled with lawbreakers bent on taking advantage of the Five Civilized Tribes. Parker presided over around 13,500 court cases and dealt out 160 death sentences.

Engaging the Locals

We were enjoying our history lessons but wanted to learn from the locals. A couple of stops on our schedule offered a chance to do that. Miss Laura’s is one of the original bordellos that were frequented by cowboys fresh from the trail. These days it serves as home to the Visitors Center. We were offered a tour and quickly jumped on it. A local character actress, playing the part of Belle Starr, helped fill us in on some of the sordid details. Later, we would run into her at the Fort Smith Trolley Museum, when her partners in crime held up our tour. Once the action ended, we were able to chat with the characters. What we discovered was there are a lot of people in Fort Smith who love sharing their city’s stories with visitors.

History Lessons

We had already seen three of the 8 top activities in Fort Smith but were eager to continue learning about this Wild West town. Located just steps from the trolley we found the Fort Smith Museum of History. Inside, we uncovered more details from the past. Not only did we find exhibits about the fort, but we took a stroll forward in time. Just as we’ve discovered in other cities, the local history museum has stories to tell that are complete eye-openers. Have you ever heard of Brigadier General William Darby? We had not, but after reading his tale, we found out he created the Army Rangers unit.

Take a Walk

The weather during our visit was perfect for outdoor exploration. There’s no better way to enjoy a beautiful Spring day than with a walk along the river. The Fort Smith National Historic Site runs along the bank of the Arkansas River. We followed the path and found the walk has some informational plaques that tell about the area. We followed the path to Belle Point, which is the confluence of the two rivers. This excursion was a quiet break from the bustling downtown but soon we were anxious to do more exploring.

Urban Art Abounds

Many cities are finding a rebirth of interest in their downtown corridor. To help spark more activity, urban art has been used as a catalyst to draw visitors and potential new businesses. Fort Smith has done this through the Unexpected Art Project. All around the downtown, you will discover vivid murals created by world-famous artists. They now number around 30 with the list growing each year. Since we enjoy exploring on foot, these murals added a nice surprise during our walks.

Staying Close

To minimize our travel time, our lodging was also downtown. The Fort Smith Downtown Courtyard made the perfect home base for exploring. Located just a block off of the main drag (Garrison Avenue), we were able to enjoy quiet nights and easy access to the downtown corridor. During our walks along Garrison, we found a bunch of plaques that detail stories from Fort Smith’s past. While I captured images of our visit, Crystal was busy making mental notes of the history.

Retail Therapy

It is a rare visit where we don’t carve out time for exploring some of the local shops. Fortunately, there was an assortment of shops located along our path. this made it easy to pop into one or two between our other stops. We even made it to their weekly farmers market on our last morning in town. You can bet that we brought home plenty of souvenirs, as well as some tasty treats. It’s hard to beat the tastes of a new town. You can learn about some of our meals and treats in this Fort Smith foodie article.

8 Top Activities in Fort Smith

As you can see, we had a wonderful time exploring the downtown region. Our visit to the confluence of the Arkansas and Poteau Rivers left us star-struck with its down-to-earth vibe. The 8 top activities in Fort Smith are just a portion of the long list of attractions in this frontier town. If you’d like to learn more about our visit, you can select from our other Fort Smith articles here. We’d love to hear about your experiences in this city, so drop us a note in the comments section below.

The post 8 Top Activities In Fort Smith, Arkansas appeared first on Our Changing Life.

We want to thank Experience Fort Smith for hosting our visit. Rest assured all opinions are our own.

Fort Smith Trolley

Way back in 1883, the Fort Smith Railway Company opened for business. Back then they didn’t have the electrified version of trolley cars, so mules were used for mobilization. The cars moved through the dirt streets, which became hard to traverse during wet weather. By the start of the 1900s, the first electric streetcars began operation. Even with this advancement, they would still only run during good weather. 1911 saw the change to enclosed cars, which allowed for year-round operation. The regular runs of the Fort Smith Trolley would end in the Fall of 1933.

Exuberant Guide

When we discovered that the Fort Smith Trolley makes regular runs, we figured it would be a nice novelty experience. Without much knowledge of what to expect, we went in with open minds. One of the reasons we enjoy these kinds of activities is the chance to hear some new stories from the past. Sure enough, our trolley driver was filled with some wild tales from the frontier town days. While we had picked up some of the city’s background during our tour of the Fort Smith Museum of History (You can read about that visit here!), the trolley tour was providing some additional background details. We especially liked learning more about Bass Reeves, one of Judge Parker’s most notable deputy sheriffs.

Outlaw Activity

When we climbed on board of the Fort Smith Trolley, our driver warned us of the possibility of running into some unsavory characters. After navigating the streetcar into the downtown area, we stopped to hear more tales from the past. Suddenly, two masked desperadoes struck without warning. While one stood guard outside, the other climbed aboard to collect the mail bag. What began as an old west-style holdup soon turned into a laughfest. Once the “withdrawal” had been made, the bandits beat a hasty getaway.

Getting Into The Role

Not to be outdone, our driver hightailed our streetcar back toward the loading point. As we approached, he stopped to let me disembark for a fun photo opportunity. The volunteers have a makeshift frontier town diorama set up near the depot. I quickly spotted the two villains who had robbed the trolley. The trolley driver stepped off and called to the sheriff and his deputy. After accusing the ruffians of their crime, they responded with a flash of their weapons. The driver fell victim to a quick round of gunfire.

Noisy Wrap-up

Soon, the entire field was filled with loud bursts and smoky plumes. One by one, the villains dropped, until they were all vanquished. The entire shootout only lasted a couple of minutes, but it was plenty of action to thrill the trolley riders. As the smoke cleared, we could see the results of this violent volley.

No Harm, No Foul

After checking the victims for signs of life, the action ended. The rousing cheers and applause returned the actors to the realm of the living. At this point, we were given the opportunity to meet all of the characters and learn more about the roles they play. We felt like the $4.00 fare was quite a bargain for the education and entertainment we received. The Fort Smith Trolley is a family-friendly activity that adds a bit of wild west flair to a day of exploring. We even got deputy sheriff badges as a reward for surviving this harrowing experience.

The post Fort Smith Trolley – Outlaw Activity appeared first on Our Changing Life.

We want to thank Experience Fort Smith for hosting our visit. Rest assured all opinions are our own.

Great Starts

They say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but we take a different approach. Our version of breaking our overnight fast is to start with some caffeine. Our short stay meant there were two mornings to sample the local coffee scene. Who would pass up a coffee shop that is actually named after the city where it is found? Fort Smith Coffee Co. is located in the Bakery District. The spacious shop roasts its beans to perfection and offers up some delectable pastry bites, as well. The Artistic Bean is easily spotted while traversing downtown Fort Smith. It was the perfect location for grabbing a cup of go-go juice, before hitting some of the local shops.

Downtown Brewpub

Our prearrival research made it obvious that Garrison Avenue is the main drag through downtown Fort Smith. After the 4 1/2 hour drive from Kansas City, we were ready for lunch. Traveling eastward from the Arkansas River, it’s hard to miss Bricktown Brewery. This regional chain has locations in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, and our home state of Kansas. We’ve had the chance to dine in one of their restaurants in the past, so we were curious to see how consistent their menu is in another location. A cold hard cider and a couple of mouth-watering burgers later and we knew they take their business seriously. It was a great way to begin eating our way through downtown Fort Smith.

Fun Settings

As is the nature of the restaurant business, places are fated to come and go. As I was in the process of compiling my notes for this article, it came to my attention that PT’s Manor has closed. It is always a little saddening to see this happen, but it is unfortunately a reality of life. Now we are left with only our memories of a wonderful brunch at this delightfully fun bistro. We weren’t sure what to expect when we arrived but were quickly won over as fans. From their artistically designed plates to the opportunity to dine in an old elevator, this place was impressive. We will be interested to see what others thought of the food at this restaurant. In the comments section below, let us know if you have eaten there in the past.

South of the Border

There were instances where eating our way through Fort Smith brought out some international flair. An example of that was our meal at Rolando’s Restaurante, which transported us to a quaint Central American café. The décor inside the eatery reminded us of trips south of the border and we were anxious to see if the food would do the same. Sure enough, the menu is packed full of delectable Latin American dishes that brought the flavors crashing onto our taste buds. The artistic flair on the walls was reflected in the preparation of the meals, as well. Each plate was a masterpiece of edible enjoyment.

Upscale Eatery

If we were going to truly be eating our way through downtown Fort Smith, we wanted to make sure we covered a broad spectrum of dining options. It would have been remiss to leave out a fine dining selection. Fortunately, it was easy to add The Rialto Restaurant to our list, as it was just a couple of blocks from our lodging. If you are looking for an upscale experience, this place is a great option. From the moment we entered, it was a memorable experience. A local musician was providing a background atmosphere as we savored the creative dishes. While the meal is a lavish treat, the atmosphere did not feel pretentious. This is how fine dining should be presented to the masses.

Eats on the Go

Being foodies is easy for us because we enjoy sampling new flavors. Even on our last morning in Fort Smith, we found a way to add more treats into our travels. The local farmers market was in full swing, as we prepared to head home. We stopped by and perused the stalls for some enticing delicacies we could enjoy along our route. Sure enough, we spotted a vendor selling some tempting baked goods. Many reminded us of our visit to Quebec City, so we grabbed a few for the road. Later, we would make a roadside stop and create an impromptu picnic that would tie us over until we returned home.

Eating Our Way Through Downtown Fort Smith

Over the years, we have learned not to take ourselves too seriously. We have expanded this approach to our dining. The course we take for reviewing meals is a bit more relaxed, which allows us to add some fun to our meals. As we were eating our way through downtown Fort Smith, we soaked up the atmosphere of each location. What we discovered was that Fort Smith presents a casual vibe where diners are focused on savoring the moment. This makes travelers feel welcome and it was easy for us to blend in with the locals. That makes this a great destination for food lovers.

The post Eating Our Way Through Downtown Fort Smith appeared first on Our Changing Life.

We want to thank Experience Fort Smith and Fort Smith National Park for hosting our visit. rest assured all opinions are our own.

Early Settlement

Within eight days, temporary lodging had been completed and they set about the construction of the fort. The finished structure had barracks, shops, storehouses, and a hospital. All of these were located inside the sturdy log walls. By 1822, increased hostilities required additional quarters to be constructed to hold more soldiers. Unfortunately, only two years later the government determined that Fort Smith was too far from the area needing the most oversight. Fort Gibson was constructed, in Oklahoma Territory, and the troops relocated to this new site.

Town Building

During the time that the first fort had been in use, a small settlement had sprung up. When the Army abandoned its properties, a savvy land speculator bought up the parcels. He would promote the up and coming town of Fort Smith. By the 1830s, the U.S. government was in the midst of their Indian Removal program, designed to relocate tribes from the southeast into Oklahoma Territory. This relocation would become known as “The Trail of Tears“. By 1838, the Army returned to Fort Smith and even expanded the base. This was done to provide additional oversight and limit the impact of settlers among the Indian tribes. Troops spent a large portion of their time patrolling the Wild West, that was found just across the Arkansas River.

Whiskey War

One of the biggest troubles faced by the troops, was stopping the flow of liquor into Indian Territory. In the early days of the town of Fort Smith, there were six shops, of which five were taverns. It didn’t take long for the Army’s commanding officer to realize that the whiskey problem had permeated into his troops. The ongoing battle to stem the flow of illegal booze into Oklahoma Territory would continue for years. During the time of Judge Parker’s court, in the late 1800s, selling liquor to the Indian tribes was still one of the most common reasons for arrest.

Life at Fort Smith

Life as a frontier soldier was not easy. Waking hours were often filled with duties that ranged from cleaning to parade ground practices. Quarters were small and bereft of luxuries. Patrolling the border was a necessity, and it was a non-stop endeavor to stop the flow of liquor peddlers. The Indian relocation meant the population in eastern Oklahoma territory had grown substantially. Settlers in western Arkansas demanded a larger military presence to prevent any aggression form the tribes. By the late 1840s, Fort Smith was seeing increased traffic due to the California Gold Rush, as well as the Mexican-American War.

Company Store

The plans for expanding the fort got put on the back burner, as the attention moved from patrolling to more of a supply depot. Fear of armed uprising form the tribes across the river decreased. With the Arkansas River on their doorstep, Fort Smith was the perfect setting to store goods for downstream operations. This phase of the fort’s service would continue until the hostilities of the Civil War overtook Arkansas.

Civil War at Fort Smith

When the winds of war blew across the State of Arkansas, the Department of War decided to abandon Fort Smith. This was done in part to prevent munitions from falling into the hands of Confederate troops. The citizens of the area were divided on their loyalties, so many were frightened by the news of the fort’s abandonment. Pro-Confederate troops descended on the fort and captured the few remaining staff members. The Confederates would hold the fort for a year, during which time it became an important supply and communication waypoint.

Reenactment Activity

During our visit to the Fort Smith National Site, we learned that the following day would be a reenactor event. By working our itinerary, we were able to open up time to attend. The volunteers were all wearing period garb and setup a small encampment. After mingling with some of them, it was time for the reenactment to begin. The main event was a recreation of the surrendering of the fort, which was followed by a variety of demonstrations. Civil War soldiers were armed with a wide range of weapons, since many were brought from home. The volunteers showed how each was loaded and fired. At the end of the demonstration, they fired off the big gun (cannon) to the delight of the crowd.

Seeing Fort Smith

Exploring historic sites, like Fort Smith, help us piece together a timeline of America’s past. The Wild West days may seem long ago, but many of the events we picture from the past actually took place in the 1900s. It’s just hard to fathom this, since technological improvements happen at a dizzying pace. Sometimes it is good to just step out of the rat race and enjoy learning about the past. Where will your next historic trip take you?

The post Fort Smith – Patrolling The Wild West appeared first on Our Changing Life.

Wild West Vibe

Fort Smith was born on the edge of the Wild West. It seems fitting that some of their urban art projects would fall into this theme. These two murals were on our favorites list with crisp colors and stylish designs. While each mural can look simplistic at first glance, we found that they hold clues to more profound meaning. It’s the hidden messages that can be different for every person who views them. That is one of the best things about connecting through art.

Honoring the Native People

Sitting on the border of Arkansas and Oklahoma means that Fort Smith has a long history with the indigenous people. When the Five Civilized Tribes were forced on reservations, it was the US Deputy Marshals from this city that helped remove villains from Oklahoma Territory. To honor this long-standing relationship one of the artists met with the Cherokee nation to develop this mural. It represents Cherokee women and we found that the strength of their spirits really permeates the piece.

Toss in some Macabre

Like most art, there is always a lot left to interpretation. As we explored along the side streets of downtown Fort Smith, we found there are lots of hidden murals scattered throughout the area. Some we enjoyed in passing, as their simplistic design made an instant impact. Others were a little darker and required examination to see what we felt was the hidden meaning. With muted colors, these pieces provided plenty for the viewer to absorb. The absence of the true definition meant that we could paint our own picture of the essence of the painting.

Art in Other Places

Murals are certainly attention grabbers but don’t represent all of the potential art forms in urban settings. In fact, our visit to a local farmers’ market reminded us that art comes in various styles. Strolling through the aisles, we spotted some local artists displaying their latest creations. Once again we were awash with curiosity about their production. These types of gatherings allow plenty of interaction for the public. This meant we could get a little more insight into their creativity. Listening to an artist describe their works really lets their passion come through.

Love Languages

Not all art is permanent. Some artists work in a more temporary medium. Have you ever thought baked goods are a form of art? While it seems an odd belief, it makes sense. The creator pours their passion into each piece. While the finished item may not have an underlying meaning, it often has layers of flavors. By developing a recipe that incorporates these layers, in a complementary fashion, they are creating a masterpiece of tastes. We are always looking for ways to support local artists, so purchasing a few of these goodies was a must.

Keeping Our Eyes Peeled

Back on the streets, we continued our exploration. Each mural that we spotted became another victory. Before long, we realized it wasn’t just the murals that make up the art scene in downtown Fort Smith. Many businesses have found unique ways to incorporate art into their street presence. This boosts the artistry of the area and entices people to take a closer look.

Connecting Through Art

It’s interesting how changing world events can impact our thoughts about art. When this piece was created, the Russian invasion of Ukraine was not even a consideration. By the time we visited Fort Smith, it had become a reality that was dominating the headlines. When we discovered that the mural was created by two artists, one being from Ukraine, it piqued our interest. The meanings behind the art had been established in the past, but for us, they were created at the time of viewing. It’s this evolving aspect of art that makes it special to the viewer. We had plenty to think about as we continued exploring. Do you enjoy seeing urban art during your travels?

The post Connecting Through Art – The Unexpected Project appeared first on Our Changing Life.

We want to thank Experience Fort Smith and Rolando’s Restaurante for hosting our visit. rest assured all opinions are our own. 

Popular Place

During our wanderings, we found the downtown to be jumping with activity. After our first day of exploring the city, we made our way just off of Main Street toward our dinner destination. Now that the day was wearing away, the shift of focus appeared to have moved toward diners seeking meals. We joined in the movement toward our destination. All of the recon work that I had done, left me feeling anxious to visit Rolando’s.  Stepping through the entrance, we found ourselves transported to Central America. It was quickly apparent that this place is a local favorite.

Settling into Central America

The decor helped set the mood for dining Ecuadorian style. It was obvious that much of the artwork was handmade by artists here and abroad. A discussion with staff uncovered that many of the tiles were brought here from Rolando’s home country. I couldn’t resist doing some exploring and made my way upstairs to see more. On my way back down, I found the staircase offers a commanding view of the dining room. What an impressively designed space. Turns out, it once served as an auto company in a previous life. Time to get back to the business at hand and do some exploring of the menu.

Pollo Chuchaqui

Munching away on our chips and salsa, we found ourselves immersed in a menu filled with many unfamiliar plates. Our server arrived with our fruity margaritas and walked us through some of the nuances of the dishes. After hearing some details, Crystal selected the Pollo Chucaqui, which has a distinct Cuban influence. Tender chicken cutlets are marinated in a lime and wine mojo. These are cooked up with tomatoes, celery, onions, and parsley. Laid out on a bed of white rice, the plate presentation was obviously made with an eye for decoration. We loved this, since we first dine with our eyes.

Bohemios

I didn’t stray far with my choice of Pollo Bohemios. With a chicken base that requires the same marinade, there were definite similarities between our two choices. Mine veered to the left with the addition of a tequila sauce. Laid out on its bed of rice, the dish was topped with a mixture of green onions, sweet peppers, and parsley. Like Crystal’s plate, my entree came escorted by black beans, pickled red onion, and a crispy tortilla. I must say that both dishes carried their delectable flavor blend and we ended up swapping plates about halfway through our meal.

Dining Ecuadorian Style

Our expedition into Rolando’s Restaurante had provided us with a peek into a cuisine somewhat unfamiliar to us. That being said, we have a handful of Central American cuisine choices in our hometown. As we learn more about the dishes from south of the border, we become more intrigued with them. Fort Smith was proving to be a foodie haven and we were just wrapping up the first day. Looks like we would be in good culinary hands for the rest of our visit. We strolled out the door knowing that we had many more delightful meals in our near future.

The post Dining Ecuadorian Style – Rolando’s Restaurante appeared first on Our Changing Life.

We want to thank Experience Fort Smith and the Fort Smith National Historic Site for hosting our visit. Rest assured all opinions are our own. 

Law & Disorder

We had already enjoyed a visit to the Fort Smith Museum of History, where we learned the general timeline of the city. By following it up with a stop at the Fort Smith National Historic Site, we were able to dive further into this unique portion of our country’s development. Our story begins not in Arkansas, but just across the river in Oklahoma territory. For decades, the American government had been slowly restricting the territory of the native Indian tribes. This had been accelerated during the Andrew Jackson presidency. While the natives attempted to resist, ultimately most would follow the Trail of Tears to Oklahoma territory.

Changing the Narrative

After the end of the Civil war, life in America was filled with uncertainty. In the absence of oversight, many officials found the temptation of wrongdoing too enticing. Such was the case in Fort Smith. In 1871, President Grant had appointed William Story to preside over the recently formed Western District of Arkansas. Within four years, he would find himself facing potential impeachment proceedings, due to allegations of graft and corruption. To save face, Story resigned his post, and was replaced by Judge Isaac Charles Parker. For the next 21 years, he would leave a legacy of actions that would be memorialized in books and movies.

Deputy U.S. Marshals

One of Judge Parker’s first acts was to appoint Bass Reeves as a Deputy US Marshal. This appointment made Bass the first African American lawman west of the Mississippi River. Parker would proceed to appoint around 200 deputies to help maintain the peace in western Arkansas and Oklahoma territory. The job was difficult on good days and nearly impossible on bad ones. During Parker’s tenure, more than 65 deputies would die in the line of duty.

Round ’em Up

As we explored the Fort Smith National Historic Site, we began to grasp the difficulties that the marshals faced on a daily basis. They were tasked with covering 74,000 square miles of territory, filled with bushwhackers, thieves, and murderers. The city of Fort Smith stood at a crossroads and Judge Parker was attempting to help usher it into the future. The rough and rowdy Wild West days were drawing to an end and industry was beginning to take a foothold in the region. The city’s position along he Arkansas River made it an important stop along the supply route for the region. It was dire that crime was reigned in, so the city could advance.

Familiar Sight

The deputies found themselves facing an almost insurmountable number of criminals. While riverboats were important to the supply chain, it was also used to transport liquor. Many of the offenders brought into Judge Parker’s court faced charges of introducing “spiritous liquors” into Indian territory. This was a federal crime that was difficult to enforce. The growing number of cases meant that the Fort Smith jail was overflowing with prisoners. The former mess hall, located in the basement, was converted into two communal cells. These provided unsanitary and cramped conditions that earned the jail the nickname of “Hell on the Border”.

Guard Duty

The marshals had to have a specific set of skills to be successful in their duties. Knowledge of Indian territory, marksmanship, and the ability to blend in with civilians were paramount. A lucrative outing could last two weeks and result in the apprehension of multiple suspects. Bringing them back to Fort Smith, the prisoners were shuttled into the cramped cells. With those overcrowded conditions, it made guard duty especially dangerous. The dark, dank spaces were jammed full of all levels of criminals. Notable prisoners of Judge Parker include; Belle Starr, Cherokee Bill, and the Dalton Gang.

Judge Parker’s Court

On his first day of court, Parker sentenced eight men, guilty of murder, to death. Six of them would be executed at the same time, while one died during an attempted escape and another had his sentence commuted. The judge was not in favor of capital punishment, but stood by the need to apply the law, as it was written. During his tenure, Judge Parker presided over nearly 13,500 cases. He sentenced 160 to death and 79 of those were executed. To keep up with the extensive workload, Parker held court six days a week.

Locked Up

In 1883, Congress reduced the jurisdiction of the Western District of Arkansas. While this was intended to help lighten the workload, an influx of settlers to the region contributed a new set of problems. Judge Parker’s court was so noteworthy that it has been represented in multiple books, television shows, and movies. Rooster Cogburn and True Grit portrays the judge’s court, as does one of my all-time favorites, Hang ‘Em High. Having an opportunity to walk through these historic spaces, left us with a better appreciation for life during Judge Parker’s court days. Have you ever heard of Judge Isaac Parker?

The post Judge Parker’s Court – Facing The Hanging Judge appeared first on Our Changing Life.

We want to thank Experience Fort Smith and Bricktown Brewery for hosting our visit. Rest assured all opinions are our own. 

Chill Vibe

While neither of us will ever rank as “beer connoisseurs”, we do enjoy the relaxed vibe found in places like Bricktown Brewery. From the moment we stepped through the door, we felt the casual atmosphere that filled the restaurant. Being a weekday, the other clientele was a mix of business people and locals. There were a few travelers blended into the mix and we became two more of them. As I moved around the space taking pictures, I struck up a conversation with a couple of guys at the bar. They explained that they were from Kansas and found this place to be a great place to chill out for a while.

What’s in a Name?

While this was our first visit to a Bricktown Brewery, we were aware of their presence in the Central states. Our trips through Oklahoma City and Wichita had shed light on their existence, but we had yet to make a stop. Now that we had broken through that barrier, we were ready to make the most of our time. As we reviewed the menu, I was surprised at their numerous choices. Many brew bars focus more on the beverage side and leave us, foodies, feeling a little overlooked. Bricktown avoids that by offering everything from burgers and pizza to full-blown homestyle meals. With my days of beer drinking behind me, I ordered up a hard cider and perused the menu.

Bricktown Brewery Delivers

Here’s where the rubber meets the road for us. I went full bore and ordered the Blue Ribbon Burger with fries. Loaded with; peppered bacon, frizzled onions, and Buffalo blue cheese sauce, this mountain of a burger were more than enough to tame my hunger hankerings. I enjoyed every last bite, as I watched Crystal investigate her choice. Knowing her affinity for avocado, I predicted she’d choose the Turkey Bacon Guacamole Melt. The sammie was filled with roasted turkey, peppered bacon, Swiss cheese, bacon aioli, and tons of guacamole. She changed it up a bit by selecting the Sweet Potato Fries for her side. Paired with a sweet caramel sauce, they were pretty darn tasty.

Fort Smith First Tastes

Now that we had our first tastes of Fort Smith under our belts, we were ready for more exploring. During our walk to lunch, we spotted lots of interesting artwork dotting the landscape. It was obvious to us that we would be taking plenty of strolls, with camera in hand, to capture some of these unique creations. To get a true taste of a city, we have learned it is important to tackle it from a variety of angles. Our lunch at Bricktown Brewery allowed us to check off one box on our “to-do” list. Now it was time to tackle some more. How important do you feel it is to explore the local dining scene in new destinations? Let us know in the comment section below!

The post Bricktown Brewery – Fort Smith First Tastes appeared first on Our Changing Life.

We want to thank Experience Fort Smith and the Fort Smith Museum of History for hosting our visit. Rest assured all opinions are our own. 

An Uncivil War

Fort Smith served the role of a staging zone, during the Civil War. On the western front, many of the fights and skirmishes were in guerilla form. Far to the east, large companies squared off in massive battles, which accounted for an ever-growing number of fatalities. Closer to the open frontier, populations were thinner and often separated by many miles. It made it easier for roving groups of soldiers to move unheeded between destinations. There was still a need to gather supplies for these excursions and Fort Smith’s location along the Arkansas River made it a valuable asset. Less than two weeks after the war’s beginning shots were fired at Fort Sumter, and the Union presence at Fort Smith evacuated their stronghold. It only took hours for this void to be filled by the state militia. When Arkansas officially joined the Confederacy, a month later, the fort became a post to drill new troops.

Guerilla Warfare

The first of our 3 history lessons would revolve around why guerilla warfare was so prevalent on the western edge. I had always assumed the main driver was to claim lands for their respective side. While this was certainly part of the plan, the Confederacy had an underlying reason. By stirring up concerns in the Union leadership, it would potentially require the redeployment of troops from the east. This would help the Confederacy by balancing the number of troops available to each side in the eastern theater. Guerilla attacks also helped limit exposure to lengthy fights, which usually resulted in a higher number of fatalities. Even skirmishes, like the Battle of Massard Prairie, were about more than retrieving some needed supplies from Union forces. This fight was designed to draw troops out from the cover of Fort Smith and leave the complex underdefended.

Wild West Notoriety

The end of the Civil War signaled an end to the need for a western frontier fort. The city was growing and the river steamboats brought a steady flow of travelers through this town. Across the river, in Indian Territory, things were continuing to degrade for the Native Indian tribes. The U.S. Government had taken the approach that all of the 15 Indian nations were defeated enemies, even though some had fought on the Union’s side. This created an atmosphere where cooperation with the government was waning. The lands west of the river became a place for renegades and desperadoes to escape justice from the law. With an aura of corruption in the Fort Smith judicial system, change was brewing like a summer storm.

The Hanging Judge?

The second of our 3 history lessons revolved around Judge Isaac Parker. We had an inkling of this famous character from the American West. Movies like True Grit and Hang ‘Em High are loosely based on the staggering responsibility laid upon the district judge for this territory. After his appointment by President Grant, Judge Parker set about repairing a broken system. In May 1875, he held his first court session, which resulted in eight death sentences. This mass hanging drew reporters from all across the nation, and it is estimated there were 5000 people in attendance. It didn’t take long for the moniker of “The Hanging Judge” to become associated with Parker. While Parker disdained the death penalty, he felt compelled to carry out the decisions of the jury. During his time as a judge in Fort Smith, he would sit on over 12,000 cases that saw some of the worst horse and cattle thieves, whiskey peddlers, and bandits.

Order in the Court

While the hangings were sensationalized, a deeper inspection reveals that Judge Parker was extremely fair. Over his extensive tenure as a district judge, he would sentence less than 100 to hang. His true sympathy fell on the victims of the crimes and he was a pioneer in the need for victims’ rights. While this compassion seems unusual for someone with such a strict approach, earlier actions in his life hinted at his true life philosophy. Before arriving in Fort Smith, Parker had served in Congress. During this period he worked to secure pensions for veterans and sponsored a bill to allow women to hold public office. While this bill failed, it does offer a glimpse of his core beliefs.

Darby’s Rangers

Moving further into the Fort Smith Museum of History, we found ourselves in a gallery dedicated to a local hero. The third of our 3 history lessons would involve Brigadier General William Darby. This well-known WWII Army officer is recognized for establishing Ranger units. As the U.S. entered the war, Darby found himself assigned to duty in Northern Ireland. Here he witnessed British Commandos, and he saw the possibility of a similar segment in the U.S. Army. After securing this assignment, his group of volunteers trained with their British counterparts. His 1st Ranger Battalion first made its presence felt in 1943. Darby quickly gained a reputation for his ferocious style of attack and often with him in the lead. He would lose his life during the war, but his life has been memorialized in the movie Darby’s Rangers.

3 History Lessons Under Our Belts

While there were many more than 3 history lessons available, we chose to concentrate on these for a reason. The majority of our time in Fort Smith was going to be spent downtown. It is this area where many of the historic sites are located. The fort was a central location in the first two lessons, so those were obvious choices. Learning about William Darby became a curiosity from an initial drive we took when we arrived in town. Our excursion had been to identify the locations of the public art, but we spotted a statue that caught our attention. On a prominent corner, there sits a bronze sculpture of Gen. Darby on a motorcycle. It certainly piqued our curiosity and learning the significance left us feeling satisfied. Which of these history lessons was the most surprising to you?

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We want to thank Experience Fort Smith for hosting our visit. rest assured all opinions are our own. 

Rowdy Days

To get a true taste of the past, we have to transport our minds back to a time when Arkansas was the western edge of the United States. By the end of the 1800s, Fort Smith was a bustling town that had already seen more action than many cities ever will. The Indian Removal of the 1830s had seen the Five Civilized Tribes relocated to Oklahoma Territory. By the end of the Civil War, the town had become a launching point for outlaws to escape U.S. law by escaping into Indian Territory. President Grant appointed Judge Isaac Parker to bring justice to the area. His deputy marshals not only patrolled Arkansas but often ventured into Oklahoma Territory to bring outlaws back to court.

Cowboy Callers

The city’s brothels and saloons made it a popular border town. During the early 1900s, the city not only legalized but regulated prostitution in an area called the Row District. At its height, there were seven “row houses” near the river. A catastrophic fire destroyed all but one, which today is used as the city’s visitor center. Our first stop in Fort Smith was at Miss Laura’s for a short education about how the city is preserving the past. Today it is the only former bordello, in Arkansas, on the National Register of Historic Places.

Infamous Visitors

During our visit to Miss Laura’s Visitor Center, we spotted a nefarious character from the past. A local actress was decked out like Belle Starr who hailed from Carthage, Missouri. Born with the name Myra Belle Shirley, her parents were well-to-do and provided their daughter lessons in a life of style. In the meantime, her older brother Bud taught her to ride a horse and handle a gun. The calamities of the Civil War caused the family to pack up and move to Texas. In 1866, members of the James-Younger Gang fled to Texas after robbing a bank in Liberty, Missouri. This would allow the chance meeting of Myra and Cole Younger, who would capture the girl’s attention.

Preserving the Past

She met Jim Reed, her first husband, and they had a daughter named Rosie Lee. Belle adored the child and nicknamed her “Pearl”. Jim turned outlaw and Belle assumed the role of “Bandit Queen”. After Jm was gunned down by a member of his own gang, Belle fell in with a Cherokee outlaw named Sam Starr. It would be Belle Starr who would be the brains behind a new gang. The daring couple were caught red-handed in the act of horse rustling and were brought before Judge parker in Fort Smith. Previous attempts at convicting her had failed due to a lack of evidence. This time the charges stuck and the couple wound up in a federal prison in Detroit. This seemed to do the trick and Belle would live a relatively calm lifestyle after release. 

Interesting Artifacts

As we continued our tour at Miss Laura’s, we noted an abundance of interesting artifacts. Many of these are period pieces that would have been commonplace during the early 1900s. One of the most unique pieces was a replica of the tokens that were used by the bordello. Serving as patron currency, they would be exchanged for “one favor” at Miss Laura’s.

Getting Our Bearings

Now that we had our bearings, we were ready to explore downtown Fort Smith. The city has seen other infamous characters, such as Bonnie and Clyde, who hid out during their outlaw days. While our plans were to remain on the right side of the law, we now knew that this city has drawn in all kinds of visitors. These days Fort Smith is in a transition period, much like many Midwest cities. It is working to rebrand itself, while still preserving the past that includes so much rich history.

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