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Making America's Best Idea Even Better
Fort Smith National Historic Sitesoldiers from 13 Kansas in formation on Garrison Ave.
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Fort Smith National Historic Site
Deputy Marshals and Other Federal Court Employees
 
US jailers and guards on courthouse steps

Collection of Fort Smith NHS

US Jailers and Guards on Courthouse Steps

The Federal Court for the Western District of Arkansas employed over a thousand men, and a few women, between the years 1872-1896.  While the majority of the men were sworn in as Deputy U.S. Marshals, others served as jailers, court clerks, bailiffs, guards, posse, jail physicians, US Commissioners, and U.S. Marshals.

 

 

 
detail of deputy marshals in front of courthouse building
Interactive Panoramic Photo of Deputy Marshals
Examine in detail a panoramic photograph of deputy marhals through an interactive program
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prisoners sitting in chairs on the steps of the courthouse
Outlaws Tried at Fort Smith
Stories of some of the outlaws tried in the court at Fort Smith.
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reproduction U.S. Deputy Marshal badge
Law Enforcement at Fort Smith
Unpublished manuscript by former NPS Historian Edwin C. Bearss on federal court period.
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detail of courtroom drawing of Judge Parker
Judge Parker's Biography
link to story of Parker's life
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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.

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Last Updated: December 01, 2006 at 16:52 EST