06-04-2025, Florida Key West Trip 3/27 – 6/30 2025, 96 Days, 7986 Miles, 44 Stops

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 for years I had been told my grandfather went to Fort Smith for his World War II training. She then told me that he would have gone to Camp Chaffee. It opened in 1942 for WWII. Camp Chaffee is within the city limits of Fort Smith. BINGO. Well, sort of. The museum is currently closed, but we can drive around the area. Off we went in search of Camp Chaffee. It was about a thirty-minute drive. 

iMaps took us to the museum that was closed, but next to it, it looked like a small park. We walked to it, and three granite tablets about six feet tall explain the history of Camp Chaffee, now known as Fort Chaffee. The area looked like an army barracks. It’s all worn down, but some areas appear to be in use and/or being refurbished. To think I’m standing on the same ground my grandpa did for his basic training. It felt completely and utterly amazing! If I didn’t feel so miserable, I think I would have cried. We got back in the jeep and drove around for about an hour. Just driving and stopping in various places. Not much is happening in the area, but it was great to see the area where my Grandfather was. 

From here, we went to Walgreens to get some Vicks VapoRub. I saw an urgent care center across the street, so we went in. According to the Dr. I saw, I have a sinus infection, and it appears to be progressing into bronchitis. I told her about the cough syrup I was taking, and she said, “Now I know why your blood pressure is so high. Stop taking it.” Yeah, I know. Anyway, she could hear a little rattling in my lungs. Four prescriptions sent to the Walgreens across the street, and I’m outta there. I did like her. I felt she was very thorough during the examination. 

We drove across the street to Walgreens. Barry went inside and picked up my prescription, and then we headed back to the RV. We stopped at Taco Bell to get me refried beans and flour tortillas. That’s all I wanted. It sounded so good. After eating, I fell asleep. I slept most of the night. I remember waking up at 5:30 AM, drinking a glass of water, and going back to bed. 

FORT SMITH PHOTOS

Fort Smith National Parks Brochure p. 1

Fort Smith National Parks Brochure p. 2

Gallows reproduction

Visitor Center in the original Fort building

FORT CHAFFEE PHOTOS

I think this may be the Baracks area
my Grandpa stayed in

Another view of the barracks

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