A new 24-acre public dog parking is coming to Chaffee Crossing. Public meetings have been held to get input on the design. 

Since 1975 and the arrival of Vietnamese refugees, Fort Chaffee has been a relocation center for those displaced from their homes due to war and natural disasters. Because of Fort Chaffee, a Vietnamese community took hold in Fort Smith. The work at Fort Chaffee and area sponsors helped Vietnamese people relocate after trips by boats and airplanes to flee Vietnam at the end of the war.

On this day 64 years ago, the “haircut heard 'round the world” changed music history forever. As a 23-year-old Elvis Presley sat in the barber’s chair at Fort Chaffee barbershop in Fort Smith, Arkansas, his disappearing signature sideburns and pompadour unequivocally confirmed what lie ahead - a two-year tour of duty in the US Army and, much to the dismay of millions of fans around the world, a lengthy postponement of his trailblazing ascent as the young "King of Rock ’n' Roll." In a light-hearted moment with the onlooking press, Elvis jested, “Hair today, gone tomorrow!”

Elvis Presley got his GI buzz at the Fort Chaffee Barbershop 64 years ago. On Saturday, March 26 this year, free haircuts will be offered again to commemorate the historic buzz cut.

ARDOT plans for a 13.5-mile extension of Interstate 49 that will connect Chaffee Crossing section to Interstate 40 and the northwest Arkansas market are moving forward. Funding for the project will be a combination of federal and state dollars.

Chaffee Crossing saw unexpected growth in 2021, bringing in money, jobs and experiences affecting the River Valley and its residents.

Folks in Fort Smith will have another — and much larger — spot for their puppies to roam free when the new dog park opens this summer.