Fort Smith’s Belle Grove Historic District holds the distinction of being the most diverse in the state, with more than 20 different architectural styles from the Victorian era lining its streets. The 22-block historic district, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973, also was the first such district in the state to have local ordinances for exterior architectural control and special zoning.
A treasure of preserved mid- to late 19th century and early 20th century buildings, the district includes styles such as Victorian Gothic Revival, Victorian Renaissance, Victorian Baroque, Victorian Second Empire, Queen Anne Victorian, Eastlake Victorian, and Classic Revival. The most prominent building, Belle Grove School, now the Belle Grove School House Apartments, is the landmark of the neighborhood from which the district is named. The school is just across “F” Street from the Clayton House.
Call The Clayton House at 479-783-3000 for information about walking tours through the Historic District.