River, mountains, city, home—and Elvis

Nestled in the Arkansas River Valley between the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains, Fort Smith offers the values and safety of a small town with the business and cultural opportunities of a major industrial and technological hub.

Fort Smith began in 1817 as—you guessed it—a fort that protected settlers in what was then the frontier of the great American west. You can visit the remains of the original structure at the fascinating Fort Smith Historic Site. You can also visit the fort that replaced it—Fort Chaffee—a 72,000-acre army base where Elvis Presley did his basic training. Rumor has it the hunting and fishing there is pretty good.

Business is booming in Fort Smith, which is home to corporate headquarters or major manufacturing or service centers for growing sources of employment and new business.

Fort Smith is also home to the oldest symphony in the state, and the Fort Smith Little Theatre frequently wins awards for its productions, most of which are cast by the city’s deep local talent. Every fall, the Riverfront Blues Fest brings national blues artists to town. And Fort Smith shows its Old West roots during the Old Fort Days Rodeo.