Hidden History of Fort Smith, Arkansas

by Boulden, Ben

• ISBN13: 9781609494506
• ISBN10: 1609494504
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2012-03-04
• Publisher: History Pr

Summary

During the days of American westward expansion, Fort Smith was the gritty frontier town whose lawless reputation became known both east and west of the Mississippi. Dubbed "Hell on the Border," the last developed township just before unsettled native territory, Fort Smith laid low more than its fair share of settlers, pioneers and outlaws. Yet after years of disorder, reformers and lawmen helped tame the city's wild ways, beginning Fort Smith's transformation into the prosperous city it is today. Buried beneath Fort Smith's infamous past are forgotten stories,' untold tales and little-known facts. After years spent researching the city's history for his historical column in the Times Record, journalist Ben Boulden uncovers Fort Smith's hidden history. Book jacket.

Table of Contents

Preface	p. 7
Introduction	p. 9
The Fort Cavorts: Wholesome Fun, Playing and Partying
Christmas Beginnings and Traditions	p. 11
An Arena and a Stadium	p. 15
The Water Is Fine	p. 16
The Joies of Movie Palaces	p. 18
Centers of Attention: The Hotel Main and Goldman Hotel	p. 22
Rambling Boys of Pleasure and Ladies of Easy Leisure
Prostitution Outside the Row	p. 27
Games of Chance	p. 29
Wet, Dry, Wet	p. 32
A Gypsy Oasis	p. 34
Lost and Fading: Places Long Gone or Going
Swastika on the Avenue	p. 37
The Color Line: Fort Smith in Black and White	p. 39
Bonneville's Places	p. 43
Places for the Poor and Sick	p. 45
Getting There: Rail, Roads, River and Air
Trolley Tracks, Animal Tracks	p. 49
The Fort in Flight	p. 52
Spanning the Arkansas	p. 56
Rocks arid Ruins: Geology and Prehistory of Fort Smith
Under the Fort	p. 61
The Mystery of Cavanaugh Mound	p. 64
Town Branch	p. 66
Famous Fort Smith: Visitors and Natives of Note
Outlaw Guests	p. 69
The Boss	p. 71
The Scandalmonger	p. 74
The Marshal	p. 77
The Rise and Fall of John Heskitt Wright	p. 80
Presidential Presence	p. 84
Stars on the Border	p. 86
Namesakes: The Origins of Place Names Present and Forgotten
The Kelleys Are All-Over-the-Place Names	p. 89
Sweet Adelaide	p. 91
A Wheel Turned on Wheeler	p. 93
Irish Leader Left a Mark on the City, a Name on a Street	p. 95
New Part of City Has an Old History	p. 96
Texas Corner and Towson Avenue Homes to Ruffians	p. 98
Lost Communities
Southtown	p. 101
MU1 Creek	p. 105
Red Row and Coke Hill	p. 106
First, Tallest, Most: Weird and Unique Features of Fort Smith
Hidden Dimensions of the City	p. 113
Bright Lights and False Witches	p. 115
Tall Buildings and High Points	p. 117
Her First Vote	p. 118
Oldest and Established	p. 122
List of Sources	p. 127
About the Author	p. 128
Table of Contents provided by Ingram. All Rights Reserved.

Excerpts

During the days of American westward expansion Fort Smith was the gritty frontier town whose lawless reputation became known both east and west of the Mississippi. Dubbed "Hell on the Border", the last developed township just before unsettled native territory, Fort Smith laid low more than its fair share of settlers, pioneers, and outlaws alike. Yet after years of disorder, reformers and lawmen helped tame the city's wild ways, beginning Fort Smith's transformation into the prosperous city it is today. Yet buried beneath Fort Smith's infamous past are forgotten stories, untold tales, and little known facts concealed just below the city's historical surface. After years spent researching the city's history for his historical column in the Times Record, journalist Ben Boulden uncovers Fort Smith's hidden history.