National Park Service LogoU.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park ServiceNational Park Service
National Park Service:  U.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park Service Arrowhead
Fort Smith National Historic Sitesidewalk path along Arkansas River
view map
text size:largestlargernormal
printer friendly
Fort Smith National Historic Site
Biography of Judge Parker
 
I am the most misunderstood and misrepresented of men. Misrepresented because misunderstood. '"
-Judge Isaac C. Parker, 1896

Remembered today simply as 'the Hanging Judge,' Isaac Parker grew up on an Ohio farm, became a frontier attorney, and had a thirty-five year career in public service. He served as a city attorney, state judge, two-term representative to Congress, and for twenty-one years was a federal district judge in Fort Smith.

The following links provide a brief glimpse into the details of the life of this "most misunderstood of men."

Click here to start with Parker's early years in Ohio.

part of letter head showing I C Parker and US Judge
Letters of Judge Isaac C. Parker
letters and other documents written by Parker
more...
reproduction U.S. Deputy Marshal badge
Law Enforcement at Fort Smith
Unpublished manuscript by former NPS Historian Edwin C. Bearss on federal court period.
more...
posed picture of deputy marshals holding rifles
U.S. Deputy Marshals
The federal court employed deputy marshals, baliffs, jailers, and other court personnel.
more...
While only 58 years old when he died, Parker looked much older as seen in this photo
A Loss to City, State, and Nation
Local Obituary of Judge Parker
more...
Parker seated at his bench in 6th Street courtroom  

Did You Know?
The only known image of Judge Parker in his courtroom is this one from the federal courthouse on Sixth Street which dates from the 1890s. There are no photographs of the courtroom located in the former military barracks.

Last Updated: August 29, 2006 at 17:34 EST