Fort Smith stood at a vital crossroads long before modern technology, serving as a frontier hub in the era before telephones or railroads.

In 1858, the daring Butterfield Overland Mail route—founded by John Butterfield—brought national attention by promising mail delivery from St. Louis to San Francisco in just 25 days.

The 2,800-mile route crossed wild terrain, with Fort Smith as a critical launching point into Indian Territory.

Steamboats and stagecoaches made this community a bustling logistics center, connecting East and West for the first time.

Though the Butterfield Trail operated for only three years, its path shaped future telegraph lines, railroads, and highways—laying the groundwork for regional growth in Arkansas and the River Valley.

Today, efforts to designate the Butterfield Overland Trail as a National Historic Trail highlight Fort Smith’s lasting legacy as a gateway of connection and progress.

Fort Smith’s historic role as a gateway for transportation returns to the spotlight with the ambitious Slackwater Harbor project in Van Buren.

This $18.16 million development, supported by a major federal grant, aims to build a modern harbor with the ability to dock up to eight barges simultaneously and significantly expand freight capacity along the Arkansas River.

Construction is set to begin in April 2026 and wrap up by early 2027, promising new jobs and industrial opportunities for the region.

The project draws on a tradition—dating back to the Butterfield Overland Mail and steamboat era—of using the river as a lifeline for commerce and connection.

Once complete, Slackwater Harbor is poised to reduce congestion, make shipping more efficient, and strengthen the River Valley’s place in the nation’s trade network.

Civil War Weekend at the Drennen-Scott Historic Site

📅 Saturday & Sunday, October 11–12, 2025
📍 Drennen-Scott Historic Site, 221 North 3rd Street, Van Buren
📑 Step back in time as history comes alive during Civil War Weekend at the Drennen-Scott Historic Site! Enjoy live cannon demonstrations, a reenactor encampment, and guided tours of the historic 1838 home—all at no cost. A fun, educational, and family-friendly event celebrating Van Buren’s rich history.
🎟️ Admission: Free | Open to the public
🔗 Learn more about the Drennen-Scott Historic Site
#VanBurenEvents #CivilWarWeekend #LivingHistory #DrennenScottHouse #FreeEvent

Murder & Mayhem (Fort Smith Museum of History)

Murder & Mayhem (Fort Smith Museum of History)

Date/Time: Oct 17, 18 & 25 (evening); Halloween Night special on Oct 31.

Summary: Step into Fort Smith’s haunted past with ghost stories, eerie legends, and chilling history on a ticketed nighttime tour.

Event Details & Tickets

Birdie’s Bizarre & Vintage Expo

📅 October 18, 2025
⏰ 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 Kay Rodgers Park Expo Center, Fort Smith
📑 Explore a curated market of vintage, retro, handmade goods, and collectibles from local and regional vendors. Whether you love thrift finds, one-of-a-kind décor, or handcrafted treasures, this expo has something for every style lover.
🎟️ Tickets: $6.89 – $10 (prices vary) :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
🔗 More info & tickets

Coughran’s Hot Rod Car Show – Downtown Van Buren

📅 Saturday, October 25, 2025
⏰ 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (check for updates)
📍 Main Street Historic District, Van Buren, AR
🎟 Admission: Free for spectators (entry fee for cars)
📑 More Info
Annual downtown car show featuring classic and custom hot rods, food vendors, music, and family-friendly activities along Main Street.

$5 Movie Night: The Phantom of the Opera – King Opera House

📅 Tuesday, October 28, 2025
⏰ 6:00 PM
📍 King Opera House, 427 Main St, Van Buren, AR
🎟 Admission: $5
📑 Series Page
A gothic classic screened in a gorgeous 19th-century opera house—chef’s kiss.

$5 Movie Night: Frankenstein – King Opera House

📅 Thursday, October 30, 2025
⏰ 6:00 PM
📍 King Opera House, 427 Main St, Van Buren, AR
🎟 Admission: $5
📑 Series Page
Halloween-week classic to wrap the October lineup—grab popcorn and a spooky sweater.

The Poe Showe / Nevermore: The Poe Experience – Skokos Center / Rudy Ruins

📅 October 30 – November 2, 2025
⏰ Evening performances (times vary by night)
📍 Rudy Ruins (Rudy, AR) / produced by Skokos Performing Arts Center
🎟 Admission: Ticketed (reservations required)
📑 More Info & Tickets
An immersive dinner-theater experience based on Poe’s works (The Raven, Annabel Lee, Mask of the Red Death, etc.), with a special late-night show on Halloween.

Radium Girls Paint & Sip

📅 October 30 & 31, 2025
⏰ 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
📍 Miss Laura’s Brothel Museum, 2 North B Street, Fort Smith, AR
📑 Step into history with a spooky-chic evening of art and storytelling! Each night features a presentation on the courageous Radium Girls, followed by painting, snacks, and drinks. This is a limited-attendance event (just 12 seats per night) — tickets are $55, must be 21+, and are available in person at the museum gift shop.
🎟️ Tickets & Info: Purchase in person at Miss Laura’s gift shop.

Barry B. Benson is an energetic young Labrador Retriever and Husky mix eager to find his forever home.

This playful pup is waiting to meet someone ready to add joy and companionship to their life.

Barry’s friendly spirit makes him a great fit for families or individuals looking for a loyal friend.

He’s hoping to meet you soon and start his next adventure.

🌤️ 7-Day River Valley Forecast Friday, Oct 10 – Thursday, Oct 16

📅 Friday: ☀️ Plenty of sunshine, mild breeze. High near 81°F, Low around 60°F
📅 Saturday: 🌤️ Mostly sunny and warmer. High 84°F, Low 63°F
📅 Sunday: ☀️ Bright and hot for October! High 88°F, Low 65°F
📅 Monday: 🌤️ Mostly sunny with light winds. High 84°F, Low 65°F
📅 Tuesday: 🌤️ Partly sunny, very warm. High 87°F, Low 66°F
📅 Wednesday: ☀️ Mostly sunny, summer-like. High 88°F, Low 64°F
📅 Thursday: ☀️ Warm and pleasant with a light breeze. High 87°F, Low 63°F

💡 Outlook: A warm, dry week ahead — great for outdoor events, festivals, and fall markets! No major rain chances expected until next weekend.