Exploring The U.S. Marshals Museum

We’ve all cheered for lawmen on screen. But the real story? It’s even more incredible.

The U.S. Marshals Museum in Fort Smith, Arkansas, brings 235 years of law enforcement history to life with immersive exhibits, authentic artifacts, and hands-on simulations. Visitors can learn about the 13 original Marshals, trailblazers like Bass Reeves, and heroes who shaped pivotal moments in American history — from the Civil Rights Movement to modern investigations. Those eager to uncover — and celebrate — the untold stories of America’s lawmen will find a captivating blend of history, interactive experiences, and pop culture.

An Enduring Fascination

Past and present, U.S. Marshals have captured the imagination of the general public. From Matt Dillon on classic western Gunsmoke to Mary Shannon in In Plain Sight, Raylan Givens in Justified, and Samuel Gerard in the 1993 film The Fugitive — a remake of the beloved 1960s TV series — U.S. Marshals fictionally pursuing justice have long been a staple of American entertainment. And the fascination with these lawmen has never waned. Coming to CBS in 2026 is Y: Marshals, the next chapter in the Yellowstone universe. The new drama follows John Dutton’s son, Kayce Dutton (Luke Grimes), as he embarks on a bold new path, joining an elite team of U.S. Marshals.

At the U.S. Marshals Museum, a dedicated gallery pays tribute to James Arness as the legendary Matt Dillon, alongside other screen lawmen such as John Wayne as Rooster Cogburn in True Grit and Tommy Lee Jones as Samuel Gerard — both Oscar-winning performances. Visitors are drawn not just to the familiar faces of TV lawmen but to the real-life stories that inspired them, stories that span centuries and touch on today’s headlines.

Honoring the Real U.S. Marshals

Inside the state-of-the-art, purpose-built museum, history comes alive through immersive, interactive exhibits that showcase the work of real Marshals across the centuries. Visitors can explore authentic badges, wanted posters, firearms, and artifacts, or step into digital simulations that recreate the experience of tracking fugitives, protecting witnesses, and enforcing the law.

Among the highlights are stories of the 13 original Marshals appointed by George Washington and the Service’s pivotal roles during Prohibition, the Civil Rights Movement, Martin Luther King, Jr., and school desegregation — including heroes like Al Butler and Herschel Garner. (Garner donated the court order he carried in his pocket the day he helped integrate New Orleans schools.) Other exhibits spotlight law enforcement in the Old West, operations tied to the Oklahoma City bombing and 9/11, and the legacy of Bass Reeves, a former enslaved man who became one of the most respected Deputy U.S. Marshals in frontier history.

“The museum has quickly become one of the hottest cultural destinations in the country,” said Ben Johnson, President & CEO of the U.S. Marshals Museum. “Visitors are coming to uncover thousands of untold stories — and they’re seeing firsthand how U.S. Marshals have shaped events that continue to make headlines today.”

Since opening, the museum has driven economic growth in Fort Smith, attracting tens of thousands of visitors annually and spurring local hospitality and tourism investment. Plans for national partnerships and traveling exhibits could expand its reach even further.

Bridging History, Pop Culture, and Podcasting

Beyond its exhibits, the museum connects audiences to the ongoing legacy of law enforcement through special programming, including its True Crime Tonight live series. These events delve into real-world investigations and the people behind them — featuring retired Marshals, true-crime podcasters, and advocates such as Nichole Schmidt, mother of Gabby Petito, who has become a leading voice for victims of domestic violence.

The museum’s rising profile has led to national attention, with features on podcasts, media outlets, and events that shine a light on tens of thousands of stories often left untold. It was recently featured on True Crime Tonight — the No. 1 true crime podcast on iHeartRadio and Apple Podcasts — reaching millions of listeners eager to learn about the real-life heroes behind the badge.

By linking the drama of pop culture with the real stories of courage, justice, and sacrifice, the U.S. Marshals Museum blends fiction and history to honor the men and women who have protected the rule of law across centuries.

“Five immersive galleries, a Hall of Honor, and a National Learning Center make this not just a museum — it’s a living classroom for the Constitution and the Rule of Law,” noted Johnson.