Jacqueline’s Jaunts

Why the U.S. Marshals Museum in Fort Smith Deserves a Spot on Your Travel List Our last morning in Arkansas started slow — coffee, a quick breakfast — and ended with an unforgettable trip through U.S. history at the United States Marshals Museum in Fort Smith, Arkansas . We decided to go to the U.S. Marshals Museum , sitting just a minute down the road from our RV Park — practically next door. We let the RV Park know we would be checking out late, and they were fine. Everyone who works there recommends the museum, and rightfully so. This Fort Smith attraction absolutely blew us away with its exhibits and storytelling. Since it had just opened on July 1, 2023, everything felt fresh and exciting. We spent two hours exploring the history of America’s oldest federal law enforcement agency. We came across a piece of steel from the World Trade Center, with an inscription honoring Marshals who died from illnesses connected to the attacks — a sobering and powerful memorial. A couple of i...

June 04, 2025, Riverfront RV Park, Fort Smith, Arkansas I felt better this morning, but it could still develop into bronchitis. I decided to see how I felt as the day wore on.  We visited Fort Smith National Historic Site . Before the entrance to the Visitor Center, there was a reconstruction of the gallows, along with some plaques explaining the gallows. It even had the trap doors. After the gallows, we walked over to the visitor center and museum. I got my passport stamped, bought stickers, and an “ Images of America ” book on Fort Smith. One of the rooms in the museum was a recreation of a jail cell. The information plaques were very informative. This was on the bottom floor. The top floors featured additional displays showcasing the fort’s role in the Indian Wars, the Trail of Tears, and the U.S. Marshals.   Now to turn the page to genealogy....I confirmed with a Park Ranger that Fort Smith was only operational from December 25, 1817, to 1896. I then told the Ranger that f...

03 June 2025, North Little Rock KOA, Arkansas, to Riverfront RV Resort, Fort Smith, Arkansas Uncle Richard called me this morning. We have been playing phone tag for the last few days. I needed the phone number of his cousin Mary Ann. Mary Ann is Herman's daughter, my grandmother's brother. I'd like to call her when we're in Fort Smith.  Damn this cold. Last night I coughed all night long, so I slept in a recliner in the living room. I rubbed some dōTERRA oils on my chest, covered my head with my blanket, and breathed in the fumes. Seemed to help. I also took Mucinex to help with the congestion. Around 4:00 AM, I was able to sleep better. NOT FUN!!! I'm wondering if it's COVID since Barry lost his sense of taste. We forgot to bring COVID-19 tests with us.  We arrived at Riverfront RV Park around 2:00 PM. What a great park. They have only been open for two years. It's right on the Arkansas River. Nice long, wide sites. Excellent play area for kids, featuring...

02 June 2025, Junction I-40 KOA Journey,  North Little Rock, Arkansas Jeeps – 3 Today, we drove to Hot Springs, Arkansas, to visit the Hot Springs National Park , which is actually the city of Hot Springs. It was about an hour’s drive from the KOA. The drive was beautiful, and the weather was outstanding again today.  It took us a bit of time, but we finally found parking. The first place we wanted to see was the row of bathhouses. I wanted to experience the mineral baths, so we went to Buckstaff Bath House . It is the only bathhouse that has never closed. I paid for the traditional package. I thought Barry was going to do one of the packages, but he decided not to. I was disappointed, but he decided just to hang out until I was done.  I went up the old-fashioned elevator to the 2nd floor, the women’s area. I was led to a changing room with a locker to store my belongings. Wrapped in a sheet, I was led to the mineral bath area by Mattie. She had my bath ready for me. I st...