Fort Smith in Sebastian County, Arkansas — The American South (West South Central)

W.J. Murphy - Eads Brothers Building in 1903

Photographed by Denise Boose, July 13, 2012

1. W.J. Murphy - Eads Brothers Building in 1903 Marker

Inscription. The first mention of this property is from 1838 when it was part of the brickyard that manufactured bricks to build the second Fort Smith. In 1877 the City Hotel was built here. In 1897, identical buildings were constructed to house the W.J. Murphy Harness and Saddlery Company at 410-12 Garrison. In 1901, Charles and Louis Eads established Eads Brothers Furniture Company in the former Rodgers-Wade building. In 1923, Eads Brothers purchased the Murphy building, removing the walls and combining the buildings. After 95 years in the same location, Eads Brothers relocated not long before the April 21, 1996 tornado hit downtown Fort Smith and Van Buren. The Eads Brothers building survived with minor damage but three days later on April 24, the building exploded into flames soon after the utilities services were reconnected. Three other adjacent businesses were destroyed in the ensuing fire.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Notable Buildings • Notable Events. A significant historical month for this entry is April 2012.

Location. 35° 23.294′ N, 94° 25.622′ W. Marker is in Fort Smith, Arkansas, in Sebastian

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County. It is on Garrison Avenue (U.S. 64), on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 405 Garrison Avenue, Fort Smith AR 72901, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Arkansas River Valley,

in the Cherokee Heritage Region,

and in Osage Territory.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Upper South.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

the Louisiana Purchase,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Fishback Block in 1872 (within shouting distance of this marker); Vogel & Wallace (within shouting distance of this marker); 1908 Reunion of U.S. Marshals (within shouting distance of this marker); Marble Hall in 1863 (within shouting distance of this marker); Reynolds - Davis Wholesale Grocery Company (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line);

Photographed by Denise Boose, July 13, 2012

2. W.J. Murphy - Eads Brothers Building in 1903 Marker

First Butterfield Overland Mail Coach (about 400 feet away); The Phoenix Block (about 500 feet away); Confederate Occupation of Fort Smith / Union Occupation of Fort Smith (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Smith.

Photographed by Denise Boose, July 13, 2012

3. W.J. Murphy - Eads Brothers Building in 1903 Marker

W.J. Murphy - Eads Brothers Building in 1903 image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Denise Boose, July 13, 2012

4. W.J. Murphy - Eads Brothers Building in 1903

Photograph located in the Fort Smith Museum of History Look for the W. J. M initials at the top of the building, sixth from the right to left.

Photographed by Denise Boose, July 13, 2012

5. W.J. Murphy - Eads Brothers Building in 1903 Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on July 28, 2012, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. This page has been viewed 1,186 times since then and 43 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on July 28, 2012, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.