Discovering More U.S. History

On our road trips to Arizona, we always take the opportunity to learn more about U.S. history and culture. This time we drove through Springfield, MO, and visited the flagship Bass Pro Shop, billed the grandaddy of all outdoor stores. It’s huge and includes the National Museum of Archery, the NRA Sporting Arms Museum, Bass Pro Museum, a Motorsport museum, and Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium, plus education and conference centers, and housing!!

Then on to Ft Smith, AR, via Branson. Fort Smith, a National Historic Site on the Arkansas River, was first built to keep peace between the native Osage and newly arriving Cherokees. The Trail of Tears ended here. Beyond was Indian territory.