COMPASS
WEST SOUTH CENTRAL U.S.
The Old West in western Arkansas
Miss Laura’s Visitor Center is the typical starting place for
a group visit to the western Arkansas city. The center is set in
a century-old building that is the first former bordello to be
listed on the National Register of History Places. With prior
arrangements, Miss Laura—portrayed by Joyce—will greet the
groups and recount the scandalous past of Miss Laura’s Social
Club and the city’s red-light district, which thrived in the
early 1900s.
One of the city’s must-dos for groups is
the Fort Smith National Historic Site. The
attraction includes the courthouse, barracks,
jail and restored gallows of the Federal Court
of the Western District of Arkansas. During
tours, groups can see the courtroom of Judge
Isaac C. Parker, who sat on the bench for 21
years and sent 79 men to death by hanging.
Joyce says another popular option is a tour
featuring The Unexpected Project, a group
of more than 30 murals in the downtown
area. And, in September 2019, the city will
welcome the U.S. Marshals Museum, which
will trace the 230-year history of the U.S.
Marshals Service.
For more information, reach out to Joyce at
Fort Smith National Historic Site
[email protected] or visit fortsmith.org.
SMITH
“Fort Smith, known as the Star of the Western Frontier, is an
exciting destination where folks can bring a heart that loves
history, and we’ll show them ways to fill it,” says Carolyn
Joyce, tour and travel sales director for the Fort Smith CVB.
“Arkansas’ second-largest city can provide several types of
activities, and many of our museums and attractions reflect
our rich Old West heritage.”
Checking in with Cherokee Nation Tourism
Travelers seeking to learn more about the Cherokee Nation should head
to Catoosa, which is just outside of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Courier spoke with
Cheryl Trask, senior manager of Cherokee Nation Cultural Tourism, about
what groups can experience during a visit to the reservation.
Courier: Talk a little bit about the Cherokee Nation.
Trask: Nestled in 66,000 acres of beautiful countryside in northeast
Oklahoma, the Cherokee Nation is the largest tribal nation in the U.S.
We offer a variety of activities to provide visitors with an authentic
experience that not only entertains them but also gives them with a
better understanding and appreciation for the history and culture of the
Cherokee people.
Courier: What other benefits do you offer for groups?
Trask: What truly makes us stand out is our knowledgeable and friendly
guides. Whether you meet them at one of our four museums or during a
bus tour, they all have a love for the Cherokee Nation that runs deep and a
passion for sharing it with others.
To learn more, contact Trask at [email protected] or go to
visitcherokeenation.com.
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April/May 2018
Courier: What interactive programs and tours are available?
Trask: We do our best to provide an interactive and engaging experience at
all of our locations. Our group tours are available year-round, and each is
customizable and often includes hands-on cultural activities, such as bas-
ketry, pottery and moccasin making. Featured tours include the Cherokee
History Tour, the Will Rogers Tour and the Civil War Tour.