Chaffee Crossing Historic District
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What to know
Chaffee Crossing Historic District showcases a unique piece of Fort Smith's rich history by offering a walkable showcase of America's military history that begins with WWII. Located within the 7,000-acre Chaffee Crossing development, the historic district is integrated within a budding, modern urban community that offers residential spaces, restaurants, recreational and entertainment venues, retail shops, and other attractions that appeal to visitors of all ages and interests. Some of the historic district's key features include:
Chaffee Barbershop Museum
Since its creation in 2008, the Chaffee Barbershop Museum where Elvis Presley received his famous first G.I. haircut has welcomed visitors from all over the world.
Fort Chaffee Barracks Museum
The same barracks where Elvis Presley slept during his tenure at Fort Chaffee. The museum will house exhibits dedicated to the people who have passed through Fort Chaffee including American soldiers, Cuban refugees, Vietnamese refugees, and WWII German prisoners of war.
Museum of Chaffee History
The museum contains extensive photographs, documents and displays that chronicle Fort Chaffee’s role in five wars, multiple resettlement operations, major motion pictures and other aspects of U.S. Army history. The Camp Chaffee Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2011.
Vietnam Veterans Museum
Local Vietnam Veterans have helped create this tribute to those who served in the Vietnam War. An Army personnel carrier and helicopter sit just outside the museum for the public to view up close. Tours are available by appointment only. Call (479) 478-0110 for more information.
River Valley Nature Center
The Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center sits on 170 acres of land overlooking Wells Lake. The center focuses on the wide variety of animals and birds that call the area home. Admission is always free and visitors can enjoy interesting and fun indoor exhibits and outdoor activities that include canoeing, fishing, hiking and more.
Maness School House
The Maness School House, completed in February 1937, is the only building in the entire area that was not moved or destroyed when the Department of Defense acquired 72,000 acres to build Camp Chaffee. German POW's built the back porch in 1943. The school was added to the National Register of Historic Places on May 29, 2003. It is now home to an upscale dining establishment known as Stonehouse at Chaffee Crossing.
Enchanted Chapel
The Enchanted Wedding Chapel is a historic military chapel built-in 1942. Design features include a 20 ft. cathedral ceiling, entry room and pews that seat up to 250 people. The chapel is accented with pew bows, lighted trees, topiaries, greenery, flowers, and a unity candle stand.
Enchanted Doll Museum
A unique museum that is home to a privately owned collection of more than 5,000 dolls from all over the globe.
Chaffee Barbershop Museum
Since its creation in 2008, the Chaffee Barbershop Museum where Elvis Presley received his famous first G.I. haircut has welcomed visitors from all over the world.
Fort Chaffee Barracks Museum
The same barracks where Elvis Presley slept during his tenure at Fort Chaffee. The museum will house exhibits dedicated to the people who have passed through Fort Chaffee including American soldiers, Cuban refugees, Vietnamese refugees, and WWII German prisoners of war.
Museum of Chaffee History
The museum contains extensive photographs, documents and displays that chronicle Fort Chaffee’s role in five wars, multiple resettlement operations, major motion pictures and other aspects of U.S. Army history. The Camp Chaffee Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2011.
Vietnam Veterans Museum
Local Vietnam Veterans have helped create this tribute to those who served in the Vietnam War. An Army personnel carrier and helicopter sit just outside the museum for the public to view up close. Tours are available by appointment only. Call (479) 478-0110 for more information.
River Valley Nature Center
The Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center sits on 170 acres of land overlooking Wells Lake. The center focuses on the wide variety of animals and birds that call the area home. Admission is always free and visitors can enjoy interesting and fun indoor exhibits and outdoor activities that include canoeing, fishing, hiking and more.
Maness School House
The Maness School House, completed in February 1937, is the only building in the entire area that was not moved or destroyed when the Department of Defense acquired 72,000 acres to build Camp Chaffee. German POW's built the back porch in 1943. The school was added to the National Register of Historic Places on May 29, 2003. It is now home to an upscale dining establishment known as Stonehouse at Chaffee Crossing.
Enchanted Chapel
The Enchanted Wedding Chapel is a historic military chapel built-in 1942. Design features include a 20 ft. cathedral ceiling, entry room and pews that seat up to 250 people. The chapel is accented with pew bows, lighted trees, topiaries, greenery, flowers, and a unity candle stand.
Enchanted Doll Museum
A unique museum that is home to a privately owned collection of more than 5,000 dolls from all over the globe.
