US Marshals Museum

This museum was a long time coming. It is not funded by the government, but by private donations. It is a very modern museum and is nicely done. They have a very nice sized private parking lot that is free to park in. The museum was placed here because of the area's close ties with the Wild West Marshals that provided law and order. It is a beautiful museum that is located on the the gorgeous water front. I really love its design and architecture. The museum also has a coffee shop and a gift shop, called The Outpost. You start your tour off with a chronological history walk through of the Marshals Service. There is also an exhibit about famed Marshal Bass Reeves. I learned a lot about him. Other exbhits include USMS's role in 9/11 attacks, Ruby Ridge, USMS role in Hurricane Katrina, Marshal Stories Around the Campfire, The Tragedy at Goingsnake, the USMS role in Abortion Clinics, USMS Role in Church Fires, USMS Role in Desegregation (Ole Miss and Ruby Bridges), USMS Role in Native American Protest and the USMS role in Prohibition.There is also an interactive display that is set up like a court room and you have to make decisions as if you are a Deputy Marshal. The other interactive display is one that see if the guest has what it takes, physically to be a Marshal. You must read about Operation Flagship while you are at the Museum. It was a USMS sting intended to lure and arrest wanted people with outstanding arrest warrants in the Washington Metropolitan Area under the guise of wining a prize. I liked the Marshals in Movies and In Their Own Voices exhibit. they were really nice. Near the end of the self guided tour, you will find artifacts from USMS operations and events.The museum hosts special events on occasion like a family friendly New Years Eve event and summer camps. They have a huge lobby area that had dining tables set up while I was there, like they were getting ready to have an event. The gift shop has books, magnets, shirts, toys, and light snacks. I really like this museum. it is modern and trendy. I spent about an hour or so here and could have spent at least one more. This is definitely a must see and is the top attraction in Fort Smith.

The U.S. Marshals' Museum is beautifully architected in the shape star located on the Arkansas River. It is thoughtfully laid out to take all visitors, children to adults, through the history of the of the Marshals with all forms of interactive learning at the visitor's own pace. It is fun and informative. It also has a local Coffee House's cafe and a wonderful gift shop. I highly recommend this stop if you enjoy learning about U.S. history. T

A definite must if you are in the Fort Smith area. Easily the best attraction full of rich history and engaging displays. They clearly put so much thought into every wall, architecture, and light display. We learned so much that we almost felt on overload. I would absolutely return. So many things that I never knew about the U.S. Marshal service left me in awe. A wonderful and educational experience.

A very interesting walk through history. Some very interesting information though out history. Gotta figure out how to get my photos in the correct order

The United States (US) Marshals Museum is a great place to visit if you're in Fort Smith, Arkansas. The museum depicts the history of the US Marshals, and how The US Marshals have paralleled our nations history since George Washington. The museum is located near the Arkansas River, next to a gorgeous bike trail, where you can rent a bike or ride your own bike. The staff are exceptional, it's a great place to spend the day.

We made the trek to Ft. Smith specifically to visit the US Marshals Museum. The architecture very unique, the building laid out in the shape of the star of a Marshal's badge. The exhibits are laid out in a historical manner from the inception with George Washington through today. Much emphasis is given to the late 1800s frontier service to Federal Judge Issac Parker for the Western District of Arkansas which included the Indian Nations of Oklahoma...outlaw country. Ft. Smith was chosen as the location for the museum specifically for the importance of the US Marshals during this time in US history. It was a very worthwhile visit. There is both a coffee shop and gift shop on site with great staff. There is a modest entrance fee with discounts for veterans, active military, seniors, etc. And, after a visit to the museum, make the short drive to the Ft. Smith National Historic Site (301 Parker Ave.) to visit Judge Parker's (the Hanging Judge) Courthouse and the site of the original Ft. Smith military post. The staff and volunteers there are great and the facility is amazing...even the gallows. Admittance is free. Tie these two locations together in one trip and grasp a true glimpse of American history and the US Marshal Service impact and sacrifice to our nation.

We were really impressed with this museum. The interactive exhibits are really great. Definitely worth visiting!