U.S. Marshals Museum Land Transfer Complete

The U.S. Marshals Museum on Monday announced the Robbie Westphal family has completed the transfer of 16.3 acres of riverfront property in Fort Smith to the museum. The property is nearly 10 acres more than the original riverfront tract that was donated several years ago to better accommodate parking and additional amenities at the museum.

The national museum will be a 50,000-SF development on the banks of the Arkansas River, featuring state-of-the-art exhibits and programming that highlight the history and achievements of the nation’s first federal law enforcement agency.

The additional land will add better parking and more amenities at the museum, according to a news release.

Depending on fundraising efforts, the museum could be open late in 2017.

“We are thrilled the Westphal gift to the museum is now complete,” Jim Dunn, president and CEO of the U.S. Marshals Museum, said in the release. “We couldn’t have picked a more fitting spot for the future U.S. Marshals Museum, right across from where deputy marshals crossed the Arkansas River into old Indian Territory to enforce the law and protect our nation.”

The property is subject to a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers navigation easement for channel alignment. The museum, according to the release, is currently working with the Corps’ regulatory and real estate division on a plan to allow construction on the site.

Once the Corps approves the plan, the museum’s spire representing “America’s Star” will soar over 90 feet over the easement. The Corps has advised it may take four to six months to secure final approval.