Located in Fort Smith, Arkansas
Standing regally in the Belle Grove Historic District, the Clayton House serves as a living history book of Fort Smith’s elegant Victorian period during the city’s frontier beginnings on the border of Indian Territory. The Italianate-style mansion also provides a perfect setting for weddings and private gatherings with its stately parlors and expansive grounds.
The Clayton House provides a step back to 1882, the year William Henry Harrison Clayton moved his family into the home that he doubled in size and shaped into an Italianate-style masterpiece. Coal-burning fireplaces and period furnishings in each room place you in a time that featured no indoor plumbing or electricity, but that was rich with austerity. Our guided tour provides a perspective of the mission to bring law and justice to the area from the home of the chief prosecutor of the famous court of Judge Isaac C. Parker.
Please browse our website for details on the history of the home and Mr. Clayton and his family, as well as our event rental options. The Clayton House is maintained and operated by the nonprofit Fort Smith Heritage Foundation, which led its restoration after saving the home from demolition in 1969. We thank you for your support of the Clayton House, as well as your participation in our many programs and events.
Coming Up at The Clayton House
318 N 7th St, Fort Smith, AR 72901-2012, United States Map
Step into Fort Smith’s haunted past for a spine-tingling evening filled with ghost stories, eerie legends, and chilling history.
The evening begins at 5:30 PM in the Bonneville House parking lot, where guests will board a hayride (departing at 5:40PM sharp) for a short trip to the Fort Smith Museum of History. There, enjoy hors d’oeuvres and cocktails before hearing ghostly tales and taking part in a hunt through the museum’s haunted spaces.
From the museum, the hayride continues through downtown Fort Smith, with a few new mysterious stops along the way. The evening continues with dinner at The Clayton House, followed by a ghost tour through the historic home.
After dinner, join us for a lantern-lit stroll through the Belle Grove Historic District, where real haunted houses will be revealed and their dark secrets brought to life.
The evening concludes at the Bonneville House with dessert, cordials, and a little more history before the night comes to an end.
Please wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather, as portions of the evening will take place outdoors.
**Must be 21 to attend.**
*Tickets available for purchase beginning October 5th.
Downtown Fort Smith
Fall is coming to Fort Smith!
Join us for the 7th Annual Fort Smith Fall Festival on Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. for one of Fort Smith's biggest and most beloved family events!
Experience a full day of FREE history, hands-on activities, arts, shopping, live demonstrations, and family fun throughout downtown Fort Smith.
Festival Highlights:
- 80+ living history reenactors at Fort Smith National Historic Site
Infantry, cavalry & cannon demonstrations
- Belle Starr Trial reenactment
- Free admission to the Fort Smith Museum of History
- Free Open House at the Clayton House with activities for Judge Clayton’s Birthday
- Free Open House at Miss Laura's Brothel Museum (and GRAND REOPENING!)
- Free Fall Family Day at the Fort Smith Regional Art Museum
- Free trolley rides at the Fort Smith Trolley Museum
- Discounted admission at the U.S. Marshals Museum (until 4 p.m.)
- Fort Smith Farmers Market (7 a.m.–Noon)
- Nearly 100 artisan and retail vendors
- Delicious food trucks
-FREE shuttle service connecting festival locations throughout downtown
Whether you're a history buff, shopping for handmade goods, or looking for a fun day with the family, there's something for everyone at the Fort Smith Fall Festival!
Downtown Fort Smith
Saturday, October 24, 2026
10 a.m.–4 p.m.
For maps, schedules, parking information, and more, visit www.fortsmithfallfest.com.
514 N 6th St, Fort Smith, AR, United States, Arkansas 72901 Map
Save the date!
Gaslight Gala returns on December 4th, 2026
More details coming soon!
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