Fort Smith, Arkansas

I was in Fort Smith, Arkansas around 2011 to visit a manufacturing site for 2 weeks. I flew into Fort Smith, Arkansas airport. Which if you ever flown into this airport. You would know the Clintons who are from Little Rock donated a brunch of couches/ reclining chairs and decorations from circa the 90s, big floral pastels prints. It’s like stepping into the White House during the Clinton years. So weird. As I go to the reach the door there is a roped noose on display. Apparently the city is known for there past lynching history following slavery. The county where I stayed was a dry county meaning restaurants don’t have bars or sale liquor which was definitely different to dine in restaurants with like Chili’s with no bar. The hotel where I stayed had a park next to hotel that was called Lynching park. I think I was dumbfounded that this town was quite open about their history. What’s weird now that I am googling this information, you can’t find any of this on the internet. So if I didn’t experience any of this with my own eyes, I would think it was a lie. I don’t remember seeing many black folks. Fort Smith is located near a brunch of other small towns where outdated laws existed and are very much followed. It was like stepping back in time. Please avoid this city. I did not go out after dark. I didn’t want to return after my first week but was forced the finish my assignment. Let’s just say I prayed going there and during my whole trip. I never felt comfortable and I would never return.