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Oct 8, 2025

From Stagecoaches to Slackwater: River Valley Infrastructure Projects Continue a 150-Year Legacy

The new Slackwater Harbor project in Van Buren continues Fort Smith’s long history as a hub of commerce and connection — from the Butterfield Overland Trail to the Arkansas River.

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Oct 8, 2025

The Road That Connected a Nation: How Fort Smith Helped Link East and West

Explore how the Butterfield Overland Mail route put Fort Smith and Arkansas at the heart of America’s first coast-to-coast communications network — and how that legacy still shapes the region today.

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Oct 5, 2025

Singapore Adds U.S.-Made F-35 Jets to Its Fleet

Singapore announces new F-35 fighter jet purchases, boosting Fort Smith’s global aerospace connection

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Oct 5, 2025

Arkansas Farmers Sound Alarm, Urge Emergency Aid

Drought and high costs have farmers across Arkansas calling for immediate state and federal support.

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Oct 5, 2025

Arkansas Signs Multi-Billion Agricultural Deal with Taiwan

Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders announces a major trade deal to export Arkansas-grown rice, soybeans, and poultry to Taiwan.

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Sep 14, 2025

Fort Smith Farmers Market to Benefit from New Solar Canopy

Fort Smith's Farmers Market will soon feature a 340-kilowatt solar canopy, enhancing the market experience and promoting sustainability.

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Sep 13, 2025

"Fall Fun Alert: Check Out These Must-Visit Pumpkin Patches Near Fort Smith!"

"Discover the best pumpkin patches near Fort Smith for a magical fall adventure!"

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Sep 9, 2025

Mastering Composting: Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden

Discover expert composting tips to transform yard waste into nutrient-rich soil, enhancing your garden's health and sustainability.

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Sep 9, 2025

TempleLive Fort Smith Closes Amid Industry Challenges

TempleLive Fort Smith has closed due to financial pressures from industry consolidation, marking the end of a significant chapter in the city's entertainment history.

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Sep 9, 2025

Downtown JunkFest in Van Buren — A Treasure Hunter’s Dream

Join us Sept 13–14, 2025, at Downtown JunkFest in Van Buren, AR—discover antiques, handmade goods, live music, and more along Historic Main Street

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Sep 9, 2025

VA Virtual Care: Heart Health at Home

The VA’s virtual care program helps Veterans manage heart health from home with video visits, remote monitoring, and easier access to providers.

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Sep 2, 2025

Arkansans Unite: Make a Visible Difference This Fall in the Great Arkansas Cleanup!

Join the Great Arkansas Cleanup from September 6 to October 31 and help beautify our communities. Register your event today!

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Sep 1, 2025

Farmers' Almanac Forecasts 'Chill, Snow, Repeat' for 2025–2026 Winter

The Farmers' Almanac predicts a winter of dramatic temperature swings and widespread wintry weather across the United States for 2025–2026.

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Sep 1, 2025

Van Buren Updates Parks and Recreation Master Plan

Van Buren adopts updated Parks and Recreation Master Plan, focusing on community center and park improvements.

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Aug 22, 2025

Confirmed Tornado Causes Extensive Damage in Van Buren

An EF-1 tornado struck Van Buren, Arkansas, causing significant damage and displacing residents. Community efforts are underway to aid those affected.

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Aug 22, 2025

Fort Smith's Sustainable Agriculture and Environmental Initiatives

Discover how Fort Smith is advancing sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship through innovative projects and community engagement.

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© 2025 The Butterfield Dispatch.

The Arkansas River has always been a lifeline, and for centuries, its valley has been a crossroads of American history. Butterfield Dispatch is a historical newsletter dedicated to uncovering and sharing the rich heritage of the Fort Smith and River Valley area. Each issue is a journey through time, exploring everything from the Trail of Tears and the Civil War to the industrial boom of the late 19th century. We'll feature profiles of notable locals, from brave lawmen like Bass Reeves to the families who built the city, and shine a light on the hidden events that shaped our region. Join us as we explore the stories that shaped the Fort Smith and River Valley area, one dispatch at a time.

© 2025 The Butterfield Dispatch.