Elegance and Edge: 

As the frontier was tamed by law and order, Fort Smith grew into a bustling city with a fascinating dual nature: one of grand Victorian elegance and another of gritty, frontier edges.

 

During the Fall Festival, two historic locations stand out as perfect examples of this contrast: The Clayton House and Miss Laura's Brothel Museum.

 

Visiting both gives you a complete picture of life in 19th-century Fort Smith.

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The Clayton House: Victorian Grandeur

 

The Clayton House is a beautifully preserved Gothic Italianate mansion that was once home to William Henry Harrison Clayton, the federal prosecutor in Judge Parker's court.

 

While Judge Parker's court was a place of stern justice, the Clayton House was a place of refined living and social grace.

 

During the festival, the house hosts a birthday celebration for Judge Clayton with carnival games, food, and fun.

 

It's a wonderful way to experience the more festive side of Victorian life and see the incredible architecture and elegant interiors of this historic home.

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Miss Laura's: History Brought to Light

 

Just a short trip away from the courthouse and mansions, you'll find Miss Laura's, which was once an elegant and famous brothel on the city's infamous "The Row."

 

This National Register of Historic Places site tells the story of the women who lived and worked there, including the brothel's madam, Laura Ziegler.

 

During the Fall Festival, Miss Laura's offers free admission.

 

Staff will be in authentic 1930s attire, and you can explore the museum to learn about this often-overlooked part of the city's past.

 

The museum is a testament to the fact that not all of Fort Smith’s history was about law and order—some of it was about life in the shadows.

Discover more by reading the full series:

 

Previous Article:

 

The Outlaw's Legacy: Special Events at the Fort Smith Museum of History

 

Next Article:

 

Food, Art, and Festival Fun (The Non-History Must-Sees)

 

View the full guide:

 

Comprehensive Guide to the Fort Smith Fall Festival (October 4, 2025)