Casablanca Resort | Mesquite

Information

Landmark: Casablanca Resort
City: Mesquite
Country: USA Nevada
Continent: North America

Casablanca Resort, Mesquite, USA Nevada, North America

Miss Laura’s Visitor Center is a historic building located in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

Visual Characteristics

The structure is a two-story, rectangular building constructed primarily of red brick. It features a prominent white-columned portico at the main entrance. The architectural style is Colonial Revival, with a symmetrical facade and a hipped roof.

Location & Access Logistics

The visitor center is situated at 2 North 2nd Street in downtown Fort Smith, approximately 0.2km west of the Arkansas River. Parking is available in a municipal lot directly behind the building. The Fort Smith Transit bus route 1 (Downtown Loop) stops within 0.1km of the entrance.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Originally constructed in 1927, the building served as the First National Bank of Fort Smith. It was designed by architect Edward D. Neild. The building was later repurposed and opened as Miss Laura’s Visitor Center in 1981.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can access information about local attractions and events. Exhibits detail the history of Fort Smith and the surrounding region. The building's architecture itself is a point of interest.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available on the first floor. Limited seating is provided within the main lobby. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally strong in this downtown area. No food vendors are located on-site, but several restaurants are within a 0.3km radius.

Best Time to Visit

For optimal interior lighting and fewer crowds, visiting between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM on weekdays is recommended. The building is open year-round, with no specific seasonal weather considerations impacting access.

Facts & Legends

The building was one of the first structures in Fort Smith to be air-conditioned. Local lore suggests the original bank vault, though no longer accessible, remains intact within the building's foundation.