Fort Thompson's History

Fort Thompson Outdoor Sporting Goods Inc. was originally a community grocery and hardware store, owned by Clyde Thompson. However, Thompson managed to earn additional income selling firearms to family, friends, and members of his community from the stockroom of his store (at just barely above his own cost). As these customers became repeat purchasers of firearms, the news of available guns and ammunition spread by word of mouth, prompting Thompson to increase his stock of firearms and ammunition. Eventually, Thompson's "back door" gun retail enterprise developed into his primary source of income. In 1953, Clyde Thompson applied for the legal permits necessary to become an authorized gun dealer and Thompson Outdoor Sporting Goods was born.

In June of 1985, University of Arkansas graduate Tom Denniston bought Thompson's business and developed it into a full line hunting retail store. This specialty store now carries everything from guns and ammunition, to hunting equipment (clothes and footwear) and supplies.