Fort Smith

Fort Smith is in northwest Arkansas and borders Oklahoma. It is the county seat of Sebastian County. The city has a population presence of 80,286 which makes it the second largest city in Arkansas behind Little Rock. It is located in the River Valley of Arkansas between the Ouachita mountains in the south and the Boston and Ozark mountains of the north and a gateway city to the Ozarks.

GarrisonFSM - Garrison Avenue - Fort Smith, AR

Fort Smith Halal Travel Guide

In 1817 Fort Smith was established as a military fort next to Indian territory in Oklahoma to keep the peace between the native Osage tribes and the recently relocated Cherokee groups. It is at the junction of the Arkansas river and the Poteau river at a place that early French explorers called Belle Point. The military fort was named after General Thomas A. Smith and the military's neighborhood commander. The military later relocated to nearby Fort Chaffee but the civilian settlers remained keeping the name of the fort and establishing a western frontier town that was often the last genteel layover for people from all walks of life before excursions into Indian Oklahoma including soldiers en route to the Mexican War in the Southwest.

Later Fort Smith became a popular stop for westward expansionists, Gold rush diggers, and those seeking better opportunities due to the Great Depression and Dust Bowl of the 20th century.

Today as the second largest city in the state and the municipality and surrounding area is a major economic hub for the state of Arkansas with many major corporations with roots in the city still in operation and employing thousands. The downtown area and commercial zones are usually busy with voluminous traffic most days but beyond that you will find quiet residential zones and woods. Due to economic trends in the U.S. economy, some major factories and plants have closed and/or moved resulting in a swelling of the unemployed population and an uptick in local taxes.

Travel to Fort Smith

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Fort Smith

Fort Smith Regional Airport IATA Flight Code: FSM fortsmithairport.com - 35.336667, -94.3675 - Fort Smith Regional Airport - Fort Smith FSM Service by American Eagle from Dallas/Fort Worth, and Delta Connection from Atlanta.

Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport (IATA Flight Code: XNA) near Bentonville, is about an hour and a half from Fort Smith.
Tulsa International Airport (IATA Flight Code: TUL) (in Oklahoma) and Little Rock International Airport (IATA Flight Code: LIT) are both about a two-hour drive away.

Travel by train to Fort Smith

Fort Smith does not have passenger rail service. The nearest cities with Amtrak stations are Oklahoma City, which is the northern terminus of the Heartland Flyer to; and Little Rock, which is served by the [HTTPS://WWWW.Wmtrak.com/texas-eagle-train Texas Eagle San Antonio - Chicago route.

Fort Smith Court House Natl Historic Site - Courthouse at Fort Smith National Historic Site

By car

Fort Smith is at the intersection of Interstate 40, Interstate 540, and US Route 71. Approximate driving times are: 2 hours and 30 minutes west of Little Rock, 1 hour south of Fayetteville, and 3 hours east of Oklahoma City.

Travel on a Bus in Fort Smith

The Jefferson Lines provides bus service to the east, west and north.

How to get around in Fort Smith

The best way to get around and see Fort Smith is by car. Also, public transport is provided by Fort Smith Transit. Although Fort Smith is Arkansas' second largest city, it is relatively compact and getting around shouldn't be much of a problem.

What to see in Fort Smith

The Hanging Judge|The Fort Smith National Historic Site contains the former courthouse of Issac Parker (1838-1896), who became known as "The Hanging Judge". Parker served 21 years on the bench, during which he sentenced 160 criminals to death by hanging, of which 79 were hanged. Today and the phrase hanging judge has entered American law jargon as a term for a judge who frequently implements the death penalty or seeks swift and firm justice.

MissLaurasFSM - Miss Laura's house of ill-repute and Visitor Center

Miss Laura's Social Club and Visitor Center, 2 North "B" St., +1 479 783-8888, A house of ill-repute from Fort Smith's past, now a visitor center. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Thit is a good starting point for any visit to Fort Smith.
Fort Smith National Historic Site, South of Garrison Ave., near the Arkansas river. Parking and Park entrance near 3rd St. and Garland Ave. This site includes the original Fort sites and the reconstructed gallows of Hanging Judge Issac Parker.

Trolley Museum fstm.org 100 S. 4th ☎ +1 479 783-0205 - Take a ride on the trolley past the Judge Parker court and the National Historic Site.

Belle Grove Historic District, 22 square block area north of downtown, On the National Register of Historic Places and has 25 restored historical homes.
Fort Chaffee and Chaffee Crossing, Highway 22 (east of Fort Smith) Former military fort with a rich history. Was built in 1941 and includes 22,000 acres. Elvis Presley was inducted into the military and started basic training there. The movies Biloxi Blues, and A Soldier's Story were filmed there.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Fort Smith

The Park at West End GPS 35.3903,-94.4286 fortsmith.org/parkatwestend.aspx - located in Fort Smith

Bowling World - 6100 South 36th Street ☎ +1 479 646-5050 - Arkansas' largest bowling facility, with a whopping 72 lanes.

Jack's Skateland jackskateland.com/ 1413 Phoenix Avenue ☎ +1 479 646-2538 - An ordinary roller skating rink, but with a unique distinction: it has the only artistic roller skating club in Arkansas.

Festivals

Fort Smith Air Show The largest free air show in the United States held every October.

Riverfront Blues Festival riverfrontbluesfest.org - Annual in August each year. Free.

Old Fort Days Rodeo oldfortdaysrodeo.com/ Annual event in late May/Early June.

Study in Fort Smith

University of Arkansas—Fort Smith, 5210 Grand Ave., +1 479 788-7000 Fort Smith's local university branch.

How to work legally in Fort Smith

GallowsFSM - Judge Parker Gallows, "The Hanging Judge"}}

There are several major employers in Fort Smith, including Baldor Electric, Whirlpool Corporation, Rheem, Golden Ventures and Arkansas Best Corporation (ABF).

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Fort Smith

Central Mall centralmallfortsmith.com - 5111 Rogers Ave (Exit 8, I-540) This mall is the primary shopping mall in Fort Smith with shops, restaurants and movies.

Solemates On The Avenue 505 Garrison Ave ☎ +1 479 782-2313 +1 479 782-2313 - Women's clothing.

T's Boutique 507 N. Greenwood Ave ☎ +1 479 484-5608 - Ladies' boutique.

Stringtown Yarn & Fiber 11 North 3rd Street ☎ +1 479 434-2617 - Supplies for knitting, crochet, and handspinning.

Halal Restaurants

You will find the standard chain restaurants spread out for 2 miles on Rogers Ave. to the east of Interstate 540. They include Friday's, Applebees, Chili's, Outback Steaks House, Red Lobster, Olive Garden, Arby's, Chick-fil-A, KFC, Wendy's, Schlotzsky's Deli, IHOP and Village Inn.

Bella Italia Restaurant, 407. N. 8th St., +1 479 785-1559
Calico Country calicocounty.net 2401 South 56th ☎ +1 479 452-3299 - Family style restaurant with great cinnamon rolls.

Catfish Cove Restaurant 1615 S. Phoenix Av ☎ +1 479 646-8835 - Catfish, seafood and frog legs on a all you can buffet.

Doe's Steaks House doeseatplace.com - 422 N. 3rd Street ☎ +1 479 784-9111 - Great Steaks and tamales.

Diamond Head Restaurant 4600 Towson Ave., Suite 59 ☎ +1 479 646-2762 A great Chinese dine-in restaurant.

Hamburger Barn 317 Garrison Av ☎ +1 479 782-0233 - Design your own hamburger.

Jerry Neel's BBQ 1823 South Phoenix Av ☎ +1 479 646-8085 - Very good BBQ.

Art's BBQ, +1 479 452-2502, Even better BBQ.

Leoncia's 1000 Garrison Avenue Downtown ☎ +1 479 783-6500 Opening from Monday to Saturday 11AM Monday - 8PM - New Orleans sandwiches.

Lin's Garden Chinese Restaurant 7308 Rogers Ave ☎ +1 479 484-5090 - Good Chinese buffet.

Ole Feed House 3801 Planters Road ☎ +1 479 649-9525 - Seafood and BBQ buffet, don't miss out on the homemade cinnamon rolls.

Rolando's Restaurante 223 Garrison Avenue ☎ +1 479 573-0404 - Nuevo Latino food in a Southern hospitality setting.

Taliano's 201 North 14th Street ☎ +1 479 785-2292 - Very good Italian food.

Varsity Sports Grill 318 Garrison Ave ☎ +1 479 494-7173 - TVs with all the games, swimmingpool and great homemade potato chips.

Kinkead's - 1004 1/2 Garrison Ave. In downtown next to the main post office. ☎ +1 479 494-7477 Opening Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 7PM to 2AM Fort Smith's only café. Good renovations but the uninitiated may be surprised at its scant floor space, especially on a busy weekend. Smoking allowed. Drag shows on Friday and Saturday. "Cougar Cabaret" drag show (no songs performed after the year 1989) once a month.

Rooster's Blues Cafe 801 Garrison Ave ☎ +1 479 783-2625
Sweet Bay Coffee Co. 3400 Rogers Ave ☎ +1 479 452-6050 +1 479 424-1711

Tassanee's (Thai) Cuisine | 1611 Dodson Avenue ☎ +1 479 7852-7750 Opening Hours: 11AM Monday - 9PM Good (Thai) food.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Fort Smith

Fort Smith - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Fort Smith, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Fort Smith. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Fort Smith and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Fort Smith. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Fort Smith. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Fort Smith: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Fort Smith.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Fort Smith: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Fort Smith, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Fort Smith.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Fort Smith, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Fort Smith, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Fort Smith and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Fort Smith, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Fort Smith, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Fort Smith without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Fort Smith is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Fort Smith.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Fort Smith is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Fort Smith, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Fort Smith Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Fort Smith

eHalal Group Fort Smith is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Fort Smith. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Fort Smith.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Fort Smith ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Fort Smith. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Fort Smith, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Fort Smith are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Aspen Hotel & Suites HTTPS://WWWW.Wspenhotelandsuites.com 2900 S. 68th Street ☎ +1 479 452-9000 +1 479 484-0551

Beland Manor Bed and Breakfast fort-smith.net 1320 S. Albert Pike ☎ +1 479 782-3300 +1-800-334-5052
Holiday Inn ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/hi/1/en/hd/fsmdt 700 Rogers Ave ☎ +1 479 783-1000
Holiday Inn Express ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/ex/1/en/hd/fsmar 6813 Phoenix Ave ☎ +1 479 452-7500
Residence Inn Fort Smith 3005 South 74th Street ☎ +1 479 478-8300 +1 479 478-8302

Motel 6 6001 Rogers Ave ☎ +1 479 484-0576 +1 479 484-9054

Hampton Inn fsmar@ 6201-C Rogers Ave ☎ +1 479 452-2000 +1 479 452-6668

Baymont Inn & Suites baymontinns.com/lq/destSearchResults.do?propId=1009 2123 Burnham Road ☎ +1 479 484-5770 +1 479 484-0579

Local Customs in Fort Smith

Being so close to a number of military installations and bases the area boasts a large number of military families.
The city is in a very GOP concentrated neighborhood as opposed to the rest of the state, though changing political trends for both parties have caught up to the area.
Church attendance is very high and religious expression often encouraged but residents are often respectful if one politely declines their invitations to services. There are also small nonreligious secular social groups nearby, notably in Fayetteville (Arkansas) | Fayetteville, if that's one's preference.
Being near many rural communities and woodlands one may come across, though rare, wildlife especially the nearer one is on the outskirts of the city. It is best advised to leave the wildlife be.
Local county drink laws prohibit the sale of drinks on Sundays.
Due to nation-wide economic changes several large scale employers have had to close or move. These events have hit the local residents very hard and as a result several have had to swallow their pride and accept public assistance.

Telecommunications in Fort Smith

The area code for Fort Smith is 479.

Panera Bread, 2917 South 74th St. Free Internet.
Creative Kitchen, 3111 Old Greenwood Road, Free Internet.
Fort Smith Library, The Main Library at 3201 Rogers Avenue and three branches have computer terminals with internet access; free Wi-Fi is also available at all library locations.
University of Arkansas—Fort Smith, 5402 Kinkead Ave. Free WiFi available for guests and students on campus.

Stay Safe

Check the Tornado safety page if you are visiting Fort Smith. A tornado ripped through downtown Fort Smith on April 21, 1996 killing two people.

Fort Smith is the 6th-most hit city by tornados in the US

News & References Fort Smith

Travel Next

Talimena Drive - Talimena Drive in the fall

Talimena Drive from Talihina, Oklahoma to Mena (Arkansas) | Mena, Arkansas 54-mile scenic drive in Oklahoma and Arkansas along the ridge of the Ouachita Mountains and the Ouachita National Forest. The drive has frequent turnouts so you can enjoy the scenery.
Hot Springs (Arkansas) | Hot Springs Visit the national park and Oaklawn Park horse racing. Enjoy a thermal bath in the bath house of your choice.
Eureka Springs 2-1/2 hours of Ozarks driving from Fort Smith. Take the guided tram tour of the historic area. Visit Christ of the Ozarks monument and Passion Play grounds. Enjoy the Little Switzerland of the Ozarks.
Branson is a 3-hour drive and in the heart of the Ozarks. Visit some of the craft shops, see a show, shop the outlet malls and take a ride on the Branson Scenic Railway. Be sure and visit the Veteran Memorial Museum.
Altus (Arkansas) | Altus, a fruit cocktail-producing town, is a short trip east from Fort Smith on Interstate 40 or US Route 64. It is known best as the setting of The Simple Life. Don't forget to visit the landscape, though, and while you're at it, tasting is also a great idea. While in Altus, it worth stopping to see the interior of St. Mary's Catholic Church. The church is decorated with elaborate frescos that were painted by a German artist who was stranded in the United States following the outbreak of World War I.
Buffalo National River, about three hours from Fort Smith, is a popular place for boating and fishing.