Pioneer Fort Smith Family History

Teacher and author Steven Clark will share his family’s history, reaching back to the construction of the second Fort Smith, at the Clayton House’s Family History Series Sunday, August 23.
Clark’s great-great-great grandfather, Asa Clark, born in 1808, came to Fort Smith from Bangor, Maine in 1838 to help construct the second fort. Its remains help comprise the Fort Smith National Historic Site today. The skilled brick and stone mason then built and operated the Saint Charles Hotel at First and A streets. It was Fort Smith’s first major hotel and brick building, opening in the mid-1840s. He also owned a wharf, a rock quarry, a brick business and hauling business.

Following refreshments and a 1:00 p.m. banjo performance by John Spain, Clark’s program begins at 1:30 p.m. The program is free to members of the Fort Smith Heritage Foundation; others are asked for a $10 donation for the Clayton House’s continued preservation and programs. The authentically restored home of U.S. Attorney Wm. H. H. Clayton serves as a historic house museum. For reservations, which are required due to limited seating, call 783-3000. For more information, see the Clayton House website at www.claytonhouse.org.