Originally established as a US Army outpost in 1817, Fort Smith became home to the Western District Court in 1871 due to its position as a "Border Town" with what would eventually become the State of Oklahoma.

Thus, the fuse was lit to ignite a powder keg of cultural diversity.  By the 1900's, the city was being hailed as a welcome trading post for those venturing West.  A vibrant Victorian cultural class mixed with Western values and Southern sophistication to become the base for a nearly perfect 20th Century cocktail of the American experience.  Young and old, rich and poor, outlaw and lawman could all be found cruising along Rogers Avenue.  The grown-up Border Town had something that appealed to every race, creed and color.  Some sought the latest in fashion trends; while others found themselves more enthralled with a neat, dry whiskey from one of Fort Smith's many local saloons.

​

At night, adventure seekers found themselves drawn to Electric Park, an impressive facility boasting amusement rides, extensive ornamental gardens, a dance pavilion, dining facilities, a theater, and a large casino of Moorish design.

​

Others found themselves choosing from a surprisingly diverse cultural menu.

 

An ornate opera house with a landmark red brick turret opened in 1887 offering entertainment ranging from grand opera to minstrel shows.  The New Theater, modeled after New York's famous New Amsterdam Theater, was completed in 1907 and hosted numerous stage performances, including "Shirley Temple."  The first Symphony Orchestra in the State of Arkansas, the Fort Smith Symphony Orchestra, was established in 1923. And before long Fort Smith birthed multiple dance bands including the renowned Alphonso Trent Orchestra, established by a Fort Smith-born black musician (pictured - right).

​

Today, Border Town Live aims to align with other cultural amplifiers throughout the region to bring live performance art, shows, plays, and musicals back to Fort Smith to excite and entertain people from all walks of life.  After all, Fort Smith does have a history of being entertaining.