Construction commenced on Adelaide Hall in 1870 and was completed in the spring of 1871 by William Meade Fishback, a resident of Fort Smith. He was a lawyer, a politician, and one-term governor of Arkansas (Fort Smith’s only occupant of the governor mansion). It was first called Fishback Haller. Later the building was named in honor of the builder’s wife, Adelaide Miller Fishback. Adelaide Hall not only served as a memorial to Fishback’s wife, it also functioned as a gathering place for a wide variety of community events in the 1870’s. The first recorded event was a “Bridge Mass Meeting” on August 5, 1871 to discuss an effort to build a bridge across the Arkansas River at the west end of Garrison Avenue. The wedding reception for General B.L.E. Bonneville and his bride, was held in Adelaide Hall on November 30th, 1871.
The space was also the site of more partisan activity. Colonel M. L. Rice, running as the Greenback candidate for the 3rd District Congressional seat, spoke to a political rally gathered in the hall on October 2, 1878. Adelaide Hall began to perform many of the same functions as the other buildings on the west end of Garrison, namely, it became a center for wholesale businesses and for retailers such as J. P. Collier & Co flour and seed store. Adelaide Hall sheltered merchandise brokers, plumbers and wholesale produce businesses as well as providing professional office space from time to time.
Adelaide Hall was reconstructed in 1995 by Richard B. & Jaunice Griffin. Today, Adelaide Hall is owned and operated by Bricktown Brewery and serves as a banquet facility for all types of events. The space is rich in history and continues to bring lasting memories to the Fort Smith community.
What Are Our Guests Are Saying
I had my ceremony and reception in Adelaide Hall, and everything went beautifully. The staff was very professional and I love that they handle almost everything! We already had so much to worry about so I appreciated that they setup and cleanup … leaving us to simply handle the decorations.
Bonus: The location on Garrison made this venue. Walking distance for my out-of-town guests staying at downtown Fort Smith hotels. We had a lot, so this was important.
Jessie
Wedding Wire ReviewI just had my wedding reception here. Gerri and the staff did an amazing job! The room was setup beautifully. They made sure there was enough seating for guests and lots of room for dancing.
Gerri was great about giving me ideas for what food and drinks to provide for the guests. The food was amazing! It is a beautiful venue. The windows upstairs show off most of downtown Fort Smith. I was really glad there was an elevator for the guests that couldn’t use the stairs! If you need a venue for a party or wedding reception
