Today was another travel day; this time from Petit Jean
State Park to Devil’s Den State Park for the last leg of our journey. It was a little warm today, so instead of
heading to the park, we decided to visit Fort Smith, AR. On a recommendation from our friend Scott, we
went down to the River Walk at the Fort Smith Historic Site. Apparently, back in the 1800s Fort Smith was
known, of all things, for its hanging executions. They have a whole museum dedicated to the
incarceration and hanging of famous criminals from the area. In an effort to “celebrate” this morbid
historical feat, they have a replica gallows built on the grounds, complete
with trap doors and everything. While viewing
the gallows with the fascination of a car accident, I was falsely accused of
being a turd by my wife and forced to hang for my crimes. It was all in good fun until she left me
hanging there to go off and take pictures of the prison wagon.
The River Walk was a beautiful windy path along the banks of
the Arkansas River. At various points
along the path, there were signs commemorating the events leading up to and
following the Trail of Tears. It was sad
to read about how the Native Americans were coerced by the government into debt
and then forced to sell their land to pay off what they “owed.”
We also visited another local favorite, Ms. Laura’s House of
Prostitution, now a historical monument and visitor’s center. I walked inside, covering my face in shame,
hoping that nobody would recognize me.
