Before European settlers moved to the area that is present-day Fort Smith, the area was occupied by several Native American tribes. The French claimed the area as part of New France and La Louisiana. The United States acquired this area and other areas from France through the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. In 1806, the United States sent the Pike Expedition to check out the area along the Arkansas River. In 1817, the US established the area as a military post and named it after General Thomas Adams Smith. The United States army has Fort Smith as a base for several wars, including the Mexican War (1846-1848). Judge Isaac Parker and William Henry Harrison Clayton are the most prominent figures in Fort Smith’s history. During the presidency of President Ulysses S. Grant, Fort Smith's economy was dependent on brothels, saloons, and outlaws. As the United States State Attorney, William Henry Harrison Clayton appointed Judge Isaac Parker, whom he believed was a strong judge who could bring back law and order in the city. Judge Isaac Parker helped bring back law and order in the city, and Fort Smith's economy has evolved from illegal businesses to thriving sectors of live manufacturing and tourism.

Fort Smith has numerous tourist attractions. Once you have purchased a house in Fort Smith, you can engage in touristy activities. You can start by heading over to the Clayton House on North 6th Street. The house was built in 1880, and during the visit, you can learn about the history of the city and also see some of the historical items and exhibits on display. You should also visit the Rivervalley Artisan Market, where you can buy locally made products such as paintings. Visiting this market is also a great way of meeting some of the locals. Other places you can visit in the city include Fort Smith National Cemetery, Fort Smith National Historic Site, Fort Smith Museum of History, and Saint Scholastica Monastery, among others.

If you love outdoor activities, there are several parks you can visit throughout the year that have great facilities for camping, picnicking, hiking, dog walking, and biking, among others. Some of the parks in the city include Fort Smith Park, Creekmore Park, Harry E. Kelley River Park, Carol Ann Cross Park, and Martin Luther King, Jr. Some of the best trails in the city include Greg Smith River Trail, Massard Road Trail, Mill Creek Trail, and Ronnie Udouj Walking Trail among others.

Fort Smith has several shopping malls and centers with various stores where you can buy whatever you need. The city is the main shopping destination in western Arkansas and Eastern Oklahoma. Some of the shopping malls you can find in the city include Central Mall, Stonewood Village, May Branch Square, and Phoenix Center, among others. Some of the retailers that are in these shopping malls include Target, Walmart, J.C Penney, Best Buy, and Kohl’s, among many others.