Located in the 22-block Belle Grove Historic District is both the Darby House and the Clayton House.
The Darby House is where William. O. Darby grew up and lived until his service in World War II. William O. Darby was a World War II hero that became famous for leading Darby’s Rangers, which eventually evolved into the U.S. Army Rangers. While serving in Italy, he was issuing orders to cut off a German retreat when he was killed by an exploding artillery shell. He was posthumously promoted to Brigadier General. His heroism and valor is remembered in Fort Smith and in Italy. In Cisterna, Italy a high school was named in his honor. During his career, he was awarded three Purple Hearts, the Silver Star, The Legion of Merit, two Distinguished Service Crosses, The Russian Order of Kutuzov and the French Croix de Guerre. General George Patton said William Darby was, “The bravest man I ever knew.”
The Darby House now serves as a museum. The inside of the home contains personal belongings of William Darby and other WWII memorabilia.
The Clayton House is a beautiful home that was built in the 1850’s. In 1882, federal prosecutor William Henry Harrison Clayton moved his family into the home and then doubled its size and added ornate design elements to its exterior. Appointed by President Ulysses S. Grant, Clayton came to Fort Smith and served in Jude Isaac Parker’s court. Judge Parker said Clayton was, “close, shrewd and prudent examiner of witnesses”. The tour guides are engaging and the tour will last about an hour.
Oooh very cool. Fort Smith sounds like a fantastic place to visit with kids. I guess that is perfect for whenever you visit grandparents!
I especially love those murals, The “Opossum” by Bordalo II is awesome!! 😀
Fort Smith is indeed very kid/family friendly! So much to see and do
Wow. You listed so many things to do. Love the murals especially. I have noticed cities doing those murals. So pretty and fun. I wonder how long it would take to do all of these activities? A week?
You could see everything we listed in a weekend. However, there are even more things to do and some other
great cities to visit that are in short driving distance.
This looks like the perfect family getaway! I love all of the history and my kids would love that water park! Pinning for future reference.
Okay, that waterpark looks amazing, I’m sold! Haha. Those murals are awesome as well, looks like a really cool place.
Parrot Island is great! We always look forward to going. Hope you can visit soon!
Those murals are incredible. I’m all about seeking out street art when I travel now. Looks like there’s a lot more on top of that to offer though and you certainly won’t go hungry there
That sounds like an interesting place to visit. Those murals are amazing!
Wow, those murals are amazing! Every time I travel somewhere new and find murals I get so excited, we don’t have any yet in my home town. This looks like a perfect getaway!
Great post! Your photos make me feel like I am there. It looks like a lot of fun and worth taking a visit.
Love the murals, and the waterpark makes a great family activity!
What a fascinating place! And those wall murals are just amazing! Definitely a place worth visiting!
Wow Arkansas is peaking my interest now! The Darby House seems so beautiful and historic I’d love to check it out. Also, the map feature you have where all the places are tagged is so awesome!
Thank you! So glad you like the map, it can be really helpful! Arkansas is a gorgeous state with a lot to offer.
Those murals are awesome. I would go just to see those.
They really are impressive and they add new ones each year.
Wow I am blow away. I didn’t know all of this about Arkansas. You have have great artist
This looks like a great destination to visit. Thanks for sharing!
What a neat looking place! I’d love to visit that waterpark, it looks like a blast!
What a great looking place, will need to add it to my list!
Hi Trevor! I hope you’re able to visit someday. Fort Smith, Arkansas isn’t on everyone’s radar, but it definitely should be.
It’s a great city with such a fun mix or history, but with their eye on the future.
Wow who knew there was so much to do here!? I especially love anywhere where I can ride a trolley! This would be a great addition to my bucket list.
I love the street art! One of my favorite things to do is find street art in new cities I go to 🙂 Fort Smith looks like a good mix of fun and history.
Hi Shannon! Street art is so amazing and unique. Fort Smith has really been ahead of the curve in having talented artists
from around the world showcase their artwork.